The Senate of Kenya was on Thursday united as it eulogised the former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga whose abrupt death while receiving treatment in India shocked the country. 

During the debate, the lawmakers variously described the late Odinga, who served as MP for Langata Constituency for four terms, as a great leader, patriot and a man who sacrificed personal comfort for the greater good of the country.

“No person could own Mr Raila Odinga. Mr Odinga was a free spirit; a free spirit that could not be contained. He was bigger than a family man,” said Senator Enock Wambua, the deputy Minority Leader, while moving the Motion in which the House paid tribute to the late.

The Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has summoned a Special Sitting of the House after President William Ruto issued a Proclamation on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 communicating the passing on of Hon Odinga.

Moving the Motion, Senator Wambua said Hon Odinga always showed up for Kenya just as he never shied away from confronting the reality of our times as our country.

“He dedicated his life in pursuit of freedom and unity of Kenya,” said Senator Wambua, adding that in his quest for justice, Hon Odinga has built a name beyond the boundaries of Kenya.

Seconding the Motion, Deputy Majority Whip Tabitha Keroche said Hon Odinga’s death had thrown a blanket of silence of the Kenya nation.

“When he lived there was thunder but since his passing has given us silence,” she said, even she argued that the former Prime Minister had not died but merely rested.

Describing Hon Odinga as a father figure and mentor, Senator Ledama ole Kina said he had led reconciliation efforts among communities, fought for Maasai land right and led efforts to conserve Mau forest.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Senator Okongo Omogeni who also described Hon Odinga as a friend and mentor even as he challenged the House to pass the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen the role of the Senate and entrench devolution.

Senator Danson Mungatana said the late Odinga understood the power of the negotiation and dialogue, saying he had done a lot to promote infrastructure across the continent of Africa.

Senator Agnes Kavindu challenged President William Ruto to implement the agreement arising from his handshake with Hon Odinga that led to the formation of the Broad-based government.

Senator Ali Roba eulogised Hon Odinga as the master of political reincarnation who always bounced back in position of influence when many had written him off.

“His name is inked in the annals of our democracy. He was imprisoned and tortured in a manner that few can endure but never surrendered.”

Senator Margaret Kamar said Hon Odinga had left a big lesson in which he insisted that the country was bigger than him. He sacrificed with President Mwai Kibaki, under the Grand Coalition, President Uhuru Kenyatta, under the handshake, and with William Ruto’s broadbased government.

Hon Odinga served as the Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, and previously held various senior positions in government including Cabinet Minister for Energy; Roads, Public Works and Housing, and as a long-serving Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency serving four consecutive parliamentary terms from 1992 to 2013.

His distinguished public service career spanned over four decades, during which he 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.

Senators also paid tribute for his lifelong commitment to the ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice; his central role in the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, his tireless advocacy for devolution and equitable development, his dedication to reconciliation and peace-building through the 2008 National Accord and Reconciliation Act.

The House also stood as a symbol of resilience and courage, dedicating his life to the struggle for democratic space, social justice, social and economic transformation, youth empowerment, national unity, even in the face of great personal sacrifice, and his enduring legacy as a visionary statesman who inspired generations of leaders across Kenya and the African continent.