Kenya’s second Prime Minister and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, today lay in State at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi in a solemn ceremony that drew national and international attention.
The brief but dignified event preceded the State Funeral held later at Nyayo National Stadium, where thousands gathered to pay their final respects to the man fondly known as Baba.
A military-led motorcade, escorted by police outriders and an army band, arrived at Parliament shortly after 6:30 a.m., bearing the casket draped in the Kenyan national flag. The body was received by National Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi, alongside senior Parliamentary officials, clergy, and members of the Odinga family.
Among the top dignitaries present were President Dr. William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who led the nation’s leadership in paying their last respects to the departed statesman.
Inside the Parliament foyer, family members including Raila Odinga Junior, Hon. Winnie Odinga (EALA MP), and Hon. Ruth Odinga (Kisumu County MP) received condolences from leaders and mourners who lined up to view the body.
The late Rt. Hon. Odinga now joins an exclusive circle of national figures who have lain in State—among them Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Vice President Kijana Wamalwa.
Lying in State represents the highest form of national honour, reserved for leaders whose public service left an indelible mark on Kenya’s political and democratic journey.
As the nation continues to mourn, today’s ceremony marked not just a farewell to a towering political figure, but a moment of collective reflection on the ideals of unity, justice, and democracy that the late Raila Odinga championed throughout his lifetime.
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