Stories of mentorship, fatherly love, clandestine strategies and profound humanity were shared as MPs from across the political divide on Thursday set aside their differences to pay heartfelt, sometimes emotional, tributes to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The National Assembly chamber, usually characterised by heated political exchanges, was transformed into a hall of remembrance.
One after another, their speeches painted a portrait of a leader who touched their lives not only politically but also as a personal benefactor to countless individuals.
Despite pandemonium outside the gates as crowds surged in anticipation of viewing his body—before plans changed to Kasarani Stadium—the lawmakers stood firm and continued with their testimonies.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula set the tone, describing Raila as a man who begrudged nobody and “stood head and shoulder above the clouds of politics".
“Arsenal was in his blood like it is in mine; it was our team. We have lost a great man; we have lost a statesman.”
For many, Raila was the architect of their political careers, with some reliving how the ODM leader brought them out of the trenches.
Kilifi North MP Owen Baya stated, “Raila picked me from the university lecture room and made me who I am today.”
His words were echoed by Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi, who recalled being relatively unknown when Raila nominated him as a proposer for his 2007 presidential bid.
“He nurtured my political career and ever since I have walked, listened and learned from him,” Wanyonyi said.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who served as Raila’s chief of staff in the PM’s office, said he had come a long way with the departed leader.
“I have served him in many capacities, including as his youth winger, lawyer and chief of staff,” the MP said.
A vivid illustration of his political negotiation power came from Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, who disclosed that the former PM donated Sh3.5 million to his campaign.
“Raila campaigned for me in Bumula constituency when there was an ODM candidate, whom he asked to withdraw for my sake.”
Beyond the political strategist, MPs remembered Raila as a man of immense personal compassion and loyalty.
Nominated MP Harold Kipchumba delivered a moving account, tracing his bond with Raila back to 1986 in the "cell corridors" while fighting for democracy.
“He wondered how a police officer would handcuff a person on crutches and we became friends,” Kipchumba said.
Their friendship transcended politics.
“He paid for top neurosurgeons in the country to treat my son after we had a freaking road accident. He facilitated my nomination despite my community not supporting ODM fully… He sent me a message on October 12, to thank me for standing with the party in Baringo.”
Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno shared a similarly profound story, revealing that Raila paid for his Master's degree fees at the University of Nairobi.
Ng’eno recalled, “When I was getting married, he came with his iconic fly whisk, which he waved over my head as we tied the knot. I am proud that I am a product of this gentleman’s guidance.”
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah said, “He called me when I lost my dad and told me he owed my family a visit. That is why it was heavy on me yesterday.”
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie brought a touch of warmth to the proceedings, calling Raila his "political father," who named him the first national leader of the Youth League.
“He took me to the people of Dagoretti South, introduced me and delivered an election for me,” Kiarie said, ending with a hopeful, “long live Baba”.
MPs also recalled a leader of sharp intellect and unwavering principle.
Kilgoris MP Julius Sunkuli, a former minister who often faced Raila’s scrutiny in the House, cited the ODM leader’s ability to obtain confidential information.
“I remember he asked me about the provincial administration and he tabled a document which disarmed me. I had thought the document was confidential. He had a way of getting even the most confidential information,” Sunkuli said.
His ability to build bridges was highlighted by Charity Kathambi (Njoro), who noted, “He joined Ruto to unite the country and ensure there is peace.”
This was in reference to the handshake that calmed the nation after the divisive 2017 and 2022 elections.
Endebess MP Robert Pukose recounted a diplomatic mission to Western Sahara, where Raila chose solidarity over comfort.
“He left his first class seat on our return flight to enjoy our company,” Pukose said.
Raila would also visit Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma to discuss prevailing politics.
“Before the 2007 handshake, Raila was in my house and I walked him to the airport and the pact was signed in two hours,” the MP said.
Raila’s legacy was also celebrated through tangible development projects.
Joseph Oyula (Butula) spoke of his interventions in Busia, while Msambweni’s Faisal Bader thanked him for recovering the Congo Mosque land in Diani during his tenure as Prime Minister.
His honesty, even when politically inconvenient, was also a recurring theme.
Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba recalled how Raila, on a loudspeaker, confronted party officials who were blocking his nomination.
Yet, he was equally direct with Savula Ayub, telling him plainly that he had chosen another candidate for the Kakamega gubernatorial race.
Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, who served as Raila’s architect, revealed that the ODM leader discussed with him plans for the second phase of his father’s mausoleum shortly before his passing.
As Limuru MP John Kiragu noted, “If there is one thing we can borrow from him, he was not tribal.”
In a nation often fractured by ethnic politics, this, perhaps, was the most glowing tribute of all.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
MPs burned the midnight oil to pay glowing tribute to Raila. The parliamentary session was far more than a eulogy. It was a significant political event that served to consolidate Raila’s legacy and reshape the national political narrative. The speeches revealed how Raila’s true power lay not just in winning elections, but in building networks that transcended political and ethnic barriers.
