The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, on Sunday presented to Dr. Ida Odinga, widow of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga, a bound Hansard capturing the parliamentary contributions of the opposition leader and Kenya’s second Prime Minister.
The symbolic handover took place during a funeral mass at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, where thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects before the statesman’s interment at his Opoda home.
The Hansard volumes comprehensively document Odinga’s decades-long parliamentary journey: his spirited debates as a Member of Parliament, his sponsorship of motions and bills, his petitions on governance and justice, and his tenure as Prime Minister (2008–2013), which included the historic “Prime Minister’s Question Time.”
Speaker Wetang’ula described the compilation as an enduring national treasure that enshrines Odinga’s voice and vision in Kenya’s democratic history.
“This Hansard is not just a record of speeches. It is the story of a man who gave his life to public service and democracy. It is also the story of a nation navigating its path towards justice, equity, and freedom,” Wetang’ula said.
“By presenting it to the family, we preserve his memory for posterity and remind Kenyans that Parliament is the custodian of our democratic journey,” added Hon. Wetang’ula.
The gesture was received with deep emotion by Dr. Ida Odinga, who clutched the bound record as mourners broke into applause.
Fighting back tears, she thanked the National Assembly for honoring her husband’s legacy through the preservation of his contributions.
“This is a priceless gift to the family and to the country,” appreciated Mama Ida.
“For generations to come, young Kenyans will be able to read his words, understand his struggles, and be inspired to continue the fight for a better Kenya.”
Eulogising the late Odinga, Speaker Wetang’ula hailed him as “one of the greatest sons of the soil,” describing him as a public guarantor and trustee in Kenya’s political history.
Citing Tanzanian author Shaban bin Robert’s Kusadikika, the Speaker noted that nations reveal their gallant soldiers in moments of great crisis.
“In 2007, when Kenya stood on the brink of collapse, Raila Amollo Odinga emerged as the hero who reached out to his rival, President Mwai Kibaki. Together, they forged peace that has lasted to this day. He fought a strong fight but remained loyal to his country.”
The Speaker conveyed the condolences of Members of the National Assembly, who had held a special sitting on Thursday in Odinga’s honour.
He noted that extracts of Odinga’s contributions, as well as tributes by fellow MPs, had been compiled and would remain in the family’s library as a testimony of his service to the country.
Turning to the present, Wetang’ula urged President William Ruto to continue uniting Kenyans and shun divisive politics.
“Even in his lowest political moments, Raila preached peace. After the 2017 elections, he reminded us that no cause or price is worth spilling blood for. That is the mantra we must all live by,” he said.
The funeral mass was attended by President William Ruto, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, opposition leaders, Cabinet Secretaries, MPs, Senators, governors, and foreign dignitaries, all united in mourning a veteran politician whose career spanned more than four decades.
Clergy described Odinga as a leader who, despite political setbacks, remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and inclusivity. Political allies and rivals alike spoke of his resilience, his unmatched role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, and his enduring vision for a united nation.
The Hansard volumes will also be deposited in the National Assembly Library and the Kenya National Archives, ensuring that researchers, historians, and citizens can access Raila Odinga’s legislative legacy.
