Explained: What Raila Odinga’s historic C.G.H. award really means

President William Ruto on Monday conferred the country’s highest civilian honour — the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) — on the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The C.G.H. is the highest class of Kenya’s national honours, ranking above the Elder of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) and the Moran of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.).

Established under the National Honours Act of 2013, the award is conferred by the President to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, patriotism, leadership, and integrity.

The C.G.H. medal features a golden five-pointed star surrounded by a wreath and a ribbon bearing Kenya’s national colours. It symbolises selfless service, national unity, and excellence in leadership.

The award was first introduced in 1966 by Kenya’s founding President, Jomo Kenyatta, to honour individuals who made extraordinary contributions to the nation.

Past recipients include former Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta.

Other notable honourees include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Prince Rahim Aga Khan.

This marks the first time the honour has been awarded to an opposition leader — and one of the rare occasions when a non-head of state has received it.

The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart represents national gratitude, heroism, sacrifice, leadership, and unity.

More than a ceremonial distinction, it stands as a lasting record of the Republic’s highest esteem and the enduring legacy of its recipient.