Ruto defends Raila’s decision that okayed formation of broad-based govt
President William Ruto has echoed the late Raila Odinga’s long-held belief that peace and stability must always come before politics and personal ambition.
Speaking at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, Ruto said that Kenya’s progress depends on unity and tolerance even amid political differences.
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The Head of State, in a powerful reflection inspired by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, reminded Kenyans that even an imperfect country striving to do better is far superior to one driven by anarchy and endless conflict.
He also praised him as a patriot devoted to Kenya’s progress over personal ambition.
Ruto praises Raila during Mashujaa Day speech
“Those who criticised and faulted Baba for working with us to stabilise the nation simply forget or just don’t care that there are countries in our region that were once stable but later descended into turmoil and disorder,” President Ruto said.
He added that the late Raila Odinga understood the delicate balance between political ambition and national stability.
“For Agwambo, the spectre of a failed nation was too grave to contemplate.
“He reminded us that we may dream big, daring dreams, but without a country and a stable one, they may remain bare wishes,” he said.
The president went on to describe Raila as a statesman who prioritised peace above partisanship.
“Above all, Raila told us that an imperfect nation striving for perfection is far better than one that is consumed by anarchy and chaos. And he would point at some countries that were once stable,” Ruto stated.
His remarks come just a day after the burial of the late ODM party leader in Bondo, Siaya County, where Ruto had led top government officials, dignitaries, and thousands of Kenyans in paying their final respects to the opposition chief.
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Call for national unity
The president urged Kenyans to honour Raila’s legacy by building bridges of understanding instead of widening divisions.
He emphasised that national unity, peace, and dialogue were the greatest honours citizens could give to a man who spent his life fighting for democracy and justice.
“As we celebrate our heroes today, let us remember that the late Raila Odinga’s dream was not just for a democratic Kenya but a united, peaceful, and prosperous one. That is the dream we must all protect,” Ruto said.
The Mashujaa Day celebrations, held just a day after Raila’s burial, carried a sombre tone, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the country and beyond.
