The National Assembly will dedicate its entire Thursday sitting to honouring and eulogizing the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following his death in India.
During Wednesday’s afternoon session, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that Thursday’s special sitting would begin at 10 am and continue late into the night, allowing every MP the opportunity to pay tribute to the man affectionately known as Baba.
“We will begin in the morning and go on until every voice has spoken,” he said.
“It will be a day to remember Baba, to share the memories, the lessons, and the dreams he leaves behind.”
Wetang’ula urged MPs to attend the session dressed in black or dark attire and to wear black ribbons as a sign of solidarity and respect.
“Let us come in a sombre state and in dark colours to show our unity in mourning and our gratitude to a leader who gave his all for Kenya,” he advised.
The Speaker also informed the House that both the Leader of Majority and the Leader of Minority will travel to Mumbai, India, to accompany Mama Ida Odinga and other dignitaries in bringing home the remains of the late Prime Minister.
They will be joined by several Cabinet Secretaries and senior government officials forming part of the official delegation.
Wetang’ula during the session led Members of Parliament in mourning Odinga, describing him as a national hero whose legacy transcended political and regional boundaries.
He further called for unity, dignity, and reflection during the period of mourning.
“Following the communication and address by His Excellency the President announcing the passing on of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, this House joins the Nation in mourning our fallen hero,” Wetang’ula said.
Reflecting on Odinga’s national impact, Wetang’ula said the late leader belonged to no single party, region, or class.
“The late former Prime Minister was larger than Kisumu,” he said. “He was loved from Vanga to Kibish — from the coast to the highlands — by those who saw in him the courage to speak truth to power.”
The session concluded with a minute of silence observed by all Members in honour of Odinga’s lifelong service to Kenya.
“Baba may be gone,” Wetang’ula said, “but his dream for a just and united Kenya remains alive in all of us.”