SENATORS on Thursday broke down as they paid glowing tributes to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during a sombre and emotional session in Parliament.
The lawmakers eulogised Raila during a special sitting convened by Speaker Amason Kingi in honour of the departed statesman.
Amid tears and visible emotion, senators described Raila as an astute leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the downtrodden, the marginalised, and the voiceless.
“He dedicated his entire adult life to the pursuit of freedom and democracy for our country in ways that only Raila Odinga could,” Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua said.
Wambua, who moved the motion jointly sponsored by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyot and Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, recounted how Raila profoundly shaped his political journey.
“I stand here to mourn not just a man who made Kenya what it is today, but the man who made me who I am in politics,” he said.
The Senate Deputy Minority Leader described Raila as a selfless patriot who made great personal sacrifices to save the nation from turmoil.
“Raila is the only politician who took a bullet for Kenya — and in so many ways, he did. Raila has not died; Raila has rested. May his spirit live on,” Wambua said.
While seconding the motion, Deputy Majority Leader Tabitha Keroche remembered Raila as a man who transformed both her business and political life.
“I am privileged to speak about a life that changed both mine and our nation’s. We are not here to mourn a life lost but to honour a legacy that will endure,” she said.
The Nakuru senator added that Raila’s passing had left a profound silence in the nation.
“He was a man who stood with many of us. He has left a legacy whose memory we will carry with us always,” she said.
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana broke down as she read her tribute to Raila, her party leader.
“Baba Raila Odinga was not just a politician; he was the hope and glue that held our country together. He endured frustration and torture to free Kenya from undemocratic bondage,” she said.
Hamida emotionally revealed her last phone conversation with Raila, a day before his death, when he checked on an assignment he had given her.
“He told me, ‘Hamida, I am coming home. I am coming home. I am a fan of what you have done.’ We talked for 30 minutes with Baba,” she said, before breaking down in tears.
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina recalled how Raila mentored him when he returned to Kenya from the United States to join politics.
“He held my hand and supported me to become who I am today. Raila also stood firmly for the land rights of the Maa community,” Olekina said.
He praised Raila for defending the Mau Forest, recalling his famous declaration:
“I remember him saying he would rather sell mandazi in Kibera than compromise on the protection of the Mau Forest.”
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah described Raila as a complex yet extraordinary man.
“I don’t know how to mourn Raila — whether as a statesman, a forgiving leader, or a democrat. But I know how to celebrate him: as a man who was blocked in many ways from achieving his dreams through underhanded deals,” Omtatah said.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Mogeni said Raila was both a personal friend and political mentor.
“I have been orphaned by someone who was a father figure to me — someone I could look up to when in need,” Mogeni said.
“Raila has been my political mentor. For as long as Raila lived and fought for justice, I identified with ODM in all three times I have run for political office.”
In the motion, Cheruiyot and Madzayo said Raila played a pivotal role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, the advancement of constitutional reforms, and the deepening of good governance, accountability, and inclusivity leadership.
They said Raila’s lifelong commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice, and his central role in the enactment of the new Constitution, freed the country.
“His tireless advocacy for devolution and equitable development, his dedication to reconciliation and peace-building through the 2008 National Accord and Reconciliation Act, changed Kenya,” they said.
They said that the former stood as a symbol of resilience and courage, dedicating his life to the struggle for democratic space, social justice, and social and economic transformation.
