By A Correspondent

Kenyan President William Ruto has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late veteran statesman Raila Odinga, who passed away yesterday.

In his statement, President Ruto described Odinga as a visionary leader whose courage and dedication shaped Kenya’s democratic path.

“We are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the Right Hon Raila Odinga,” said Ruto. “With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Hon Raila Odinga fought for our democracy and led the path towards our new constitutional order.”

Ruto hailed Odinga as a “peacemaker who always put country first,” adding that his “optimism, strength, and humility epitomised the Kenyan spirit.”

Reflecting on Odinga’s lifelong service, Ruto said: “His was a path walked with conviction. He bore the scars of struggle with dignity, knowing that freedom was not free and that truth often demands sacrifice.”

He further described the late Odinga as “the most significant leader of our democratic experiment,” noting that his life was “a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity.”

“Hon Odinga is no longer with us, but he has left us stronger and better,” said Ruto. “His legacy in Kenya, Africa and on the world stage — as a patriot, a pan-Africanist, and a global statesman — is written in the sands of time.”

Ruto also spoke of his personal relationship with Odinga, calling him “a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot.”

“Every time I needed wise counsel, I turned to him time and again. He never once failed me and told me the truth every time, even when the truth was hard,” he said.

The President extended condolences to the Odinga family, saying, “From my immediate family — Rachel and the children — we want to assure Mama Ida, Rosemary, Raila Junior, Winnie, Senator Oburu and the entire Odinga family that we stand with them in this moment of grief.”

He concluded his tribute by urging unity among Kenyans: “Above all, I urge all Kenyans to join hands as we celebrate the incredible legacy of this towering figure in our history.”