President William Ruto has posthumously conferred on the late Raila Odinga the highest honour in Kenya, Chief of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH).

The conferment was formalized under Gazette Notice No. 15198, titled “Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya,” and reflects the nation’s official recognition of Mr. Odinga’s monumental contributions to the country’s democratic journey and political history.

"The government and people of Kenya inscribe Hon Raila Odinga’s name among the foremost of our heroes, under the public seal of the Republic." Ruto said.

"On behalf of a grateful nation, and through the authority vested in me as President, I have today posthumously conferred upon the Right Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga the highest honour of the Republic, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)."

The award recognizes a political career spanning over four decades, during which the former Premier served as a Member of Parliament, an Opposition leader, and ultimately the country’s Second Prime Minister. The Gazette emphasizes that he consistently upheld ideals of democracy, socio-economic prosperity, and Pan-Africanism.

The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is reserved for the most distinguished service to the nation and is rarely awarded. Past recipients include heads of state and extraordinary figures who have shaped the country’s destiny.

The conferment comes a day after the former Prime Minister was laid to rest at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. 

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India.