PRESIDENT RUTO MOURNS RAILA; HAVE LOST A BIG BROTHER, CONFIDANT

BY ERIC ABUGA

President William Ruto Raila Odinga's 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. 

The Head of State mourned the late Former Prime Minister saying the Kenyans are blessed to live in a country that has been shaped by the will, the leadership, and the vision of the late Raila.

The President says Raila was a peacemaker who always put country first and whose optimism, strength, and humility epitomised the Kenyan spirit. 

"With an unshakable faith in the values of our country and the character of our people, Raila fought for our democracy and led the path towards our new constitutional order."

The Head of State says Raila always believed that our best days are yet to come. "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 says; "His life was a testament to the enduring power of a vision grounded in the ideals of democracy, justice, and unity. He was a man who refused to accept the easy path when the right path was harder."

Ruto emphasized that there can be no doubt that Raila was the most significant leader of our democratic experiment. 

"He carried himself with courage and grace and his voice, sometimes fiery, sometimes soft, always echoed with purpose."

"Raila is no longer with us, but he has left us stronger and better. We take comfort in the knowledge that he has gone to a better place, a place where rest awaits him."

He described the late as a quintessential progressive and reformer, who fought for the ideals of human rights, democracy, the rule of law and inclusivity and economic opportunity for all until he breathed his last.

"l have lost a big brother, a mentor, a confidant and a selfless patriot. Every time l 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."

According to Ruto, Raila has left a solid foundation built on the rock of faith. "It is on that foundation that we shall find our way forward, inspired by his example, his legacy and optimism that our future is great."

He has called on all Kenyans to join hands as we celebrate the incredible legacy of this towering figure in our history.