Parliament pays tribute to late Kenyan statesman Raila Odinga

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Parliament has paid glowing tribute to the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, describing him as a Pan-Africanist, visionary leader, and champion of democracy whose influence extended far beyond Kenya.

Odinga, aged 80, died in India on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at his ancestral home in Bondo, near Lake Victoria in western Kenya.

During the plenary sitting on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, praised Odinga for his lifelong contribution to democracy, good governance, and regional unity.

“He was a true statesman and Pan-Africanist. Raila Odinga was a good friend of Uganda and of the entire region. We shall miss him deeply. Our condolences go to the people of Kenya, Africa, and the world at large,” Tayebwa said.

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, hailed Odinga as a political giant whose efforts shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.

“Odinga fought tirelessly for democracy in Kenya. Although he never became president, his contribution to his country’s freedom and governance is indelible. We sympathise with his family and the people of Kenya,” Ssenyonyi said.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, lauded Odinga’s role in promoting regional cooperation and integration.

“The late Raila Odinga was a key promoter of regional parliamentary cooperation through the Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum on Peace and the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank. He also championed the ideals of East African integration,” Mao said.

Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Opendi noted that Odinga’s influence transcended political boundaries in Kenya and that his counsel was sought by successive presidents.

“No president ruled Kenya without engaging with Odinga; no wonder he was fondly called Baba. There is a lot Uganda can learn from him. His passing united Kenya in mourning,” Opendi said.

Opendi also highlighted Odinga’s legacy in championing infrastructure development across East Africa, particularly his advocacy for the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project.

Odinga served as Prime Minister of Kenya from 2008 following the post-election power-sharing agreement. Over his long political career, he formed alliances with key leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 and incumbent President William Ruto in 2024, in efforts to promote national unity and reconciliation. His burial was broadcast on television and witnessed by many mourners across the world.