In Parliament this week: Senate honours Raila on Mashujaa Day, explains ‘lying in state

The Senate used this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, held on Monday, to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a “modern-day hero” whose legacy continues to shape the nation’s democratic journey.

In its Mashujaa Day message, the Senate hailed Raila for his steadfast commitment to democracy, good governance, and national unity, noting that his leadership had inspired generations and fortified Kenya’s democratic foundations.

“On this Mashujaa Day, the Senate of the Republic of Kenya joins all Kenyans in honoring the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our national heroes, past and present, whose vision and valor built the foundation of our nation,” read the Senate’s statement.

“We salute the men and women who fought for our independence, defended our democracy, and continue to serve in every corner of our republic to uphold justice, unity, and progress.”

The House further called on Kenyans to recommit themselves to the values that define the nation — patriotism, integrity, hard work, and respect for one another.

“May we continue to build a Kenya where every citizen enjoys dignity, opportunity, and peace,” it urged.

Separately, the Senate issued an explanation on the solemn honour of lying in State within Parliament, following the honour accorded to Raila Odinga after his death in October 2025.

It named those who have previously lain in State in Parliament: Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (August 1978), Michael Kijana Wamalwa (August 2003), Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (February 2020), Emilio Mwai Kibaki (April 2022), and Raila Amolo Odinga (October 2025).

The Senate described lying in State as the highest honour that Parliament can bestow posthumously upon serving or former Heads of State or Government, or eminent citizens who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.

Although not formally codified in law, the practice carries deep historical and symbolic significance in parliamentary tradition, offering the nation an opportunity to collectively remember and celebrate a leader’s service within the institution that represents the people.

Citing Article 94(2) of the Constitution, the Senate noted that Parliament “is the organ of State that manifests the diversity of the nation and represents the will of the people.”

It added that lying in State in Parliament therefore represents “the highest affirmation by the people, through their representatives, of an individual’s immense contribution to the welfare of the people and their rights.”

The Senate explained that the practice traditionally precedes a State Funeral and allows both citizens and legislators to pay their final respects during a period of national mourning.

It draws from long-standing government traditions in which the State summons its Legislature to assemble urgently for the sole purpose of honouring one of its most distinguished servants.

In a related event, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, presented a bound Hansard volume to Mama Ida Odinga, capturing the lifetime parliamentary record of her late husband.

The emotional handover took place during a funeral mass at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, where thousands gathered to celebrate and bid farewell to one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures.

The Hansard compilation chronicles Raila Odinga’s illustrious parliamentary career — from his early days as a Member of Parliament to his tenure as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013.

It features his debates, motions, bills, petitions, and his historic Prime Minister’s Question Time, offering a detailed account of his lifelong advocacy for democracy, justice, and equality.