PHOTOS: Emotional goodbyes mark Raila’s final moments in Parliament

Photos · Tania Wanjiku · October 17, 2025
PHOTOS: Emotional goodbyes mark Raila’s final moments in Parliament
The body of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga lying in State at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS
In Summary

Many recalled Raila’s years in Parliament, highlighting his contributions to legislation and national discourse. The session was not just a farewell but also a commemoration of a man whose presence shaped the corridors of power for decades.

Leaders and lawmakers gathered in Parliament on Thursday in a solemn tribute to Raila Odinga, marking what will be his final appearance in the House where he once served as a Member of Parliament.

The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as colleagues, friends, and political allies paid their respects to the veteran leader, reflecting on his decades-long service to the nation.

President William Ruto writing a tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at State House, Nairobi on October 17, 2025. PHOTOS/PCS

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived shortly after 8 a.m., both dressed in black. Their measured steps into the hall mirrored the solemnity of the occasion, as delegates stood in respectful silence.

President William Ruto writing a tribute of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTOS/PCS

 

Raila Odinga's family at Parliament Buildings for the body viewing on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

 

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto during Raila Odinga's body viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

 

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula and Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi during Raila Odinga's body viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025 .PHOTO/PCS

 

Women Caucus of the National Assembly singing during Raila Odinga's body viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

Following instructions from the master of ceremonies, Ruto advanced holding his wife’s hand. At the casket, he bowed his head in a silent tribute to a man he called his brother, before turning to the condolence book to pen a message that took several minutes.

Raila’s family soon joined the ceremony. His sister Ruth Odinga, along with children Raila Odinga Jr. and Winnie Odinga, approached the casket with visible sorrow.

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025 PHOTO/PCS

 

President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto and Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025/PCS

 

The body of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga lying in State at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

 

The body of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga lying in State at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

 

President William Ruto writing a tribute of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTOS/PCS

 

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula and Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi during Raila Odinga's body viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025 .PHOTO/PCS

 

EALA MP Winnie Odinga placing a hat on his father's body during Raila Odinga's body viewing at Parliament Buildings on October 17, 2025. PHOTO/PCS

Raila Jr. performed a brief cultural ritual, raising a fly whisk above his father’s body, while family members observed in quiet reflection.

Top leaders from across the country paid homage, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

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