Why Raila's body never made it to Parliament

Parliamentary proceedings commenced at a slow pace yesterday, oblivious to the massive crowd of mourners that would later gather outside, anticipating a final glimpse of Raila Odinga’s body.

Inside the Parliament buildings, the military made last-minute preparations for the catafalque on which Raila’s body was to lie in state, in readiness for public viewing. 

Scenes reminiscent of the 2024 anti-government protests unfolded as Parliament Road was cordoned off. As the morning progressed, crowds began to gather and form queues, but their patience quickly wore thin.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, entered the chamber at around 10am to commence the special session set aside for MPs to pay tribute to Raila. The proceedings began with a moment of silence.

The Speaker hailed Raila for his role in steering national reconciliation following the 2007/2008 post-election violence, and for working alongside President Mwai Kibaki to rebuild a politically fractured nation.

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya moved the motion of tribute, seconded by Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo.

However, as tributes continued in the House, hundreds of mourners outside Parliament grew restless. With their bare hands, they removed the razor wire that had cordoned off Parliament Road and surged towards the main entrance, waving twigs and chanting.

Chaos ensued on Parliament grounds as mourners attempted to force their way in. Appeals for calm by Speaker Wetang’ula, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, MPs Otiende Amolo (Rarieda), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), and several others who stepped out of the chamber to intervene, went unheeded.

The crowd demanded to be addressed by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who climbed the gate pillars to inform them that the viewing had been moved to Kasarani Stadium. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joined him, scaling a wall and using a megaphone to plead for patience—a call that briefly pacified the crowd.

Despite their efforts, part of the gate was later broken down by mourners and carried away.

Following the failed attempts to restore order, the MPs returned to the House and resumed the tributes.

In his tribute, MP Baya credited Raila for launching his political journey.

“Raila Odinga picked me from a university lecture hall. I knew nothing about politics—didn’t even aspire to be a politician. But when I met him, he saw potential in me,” said Baya.

Gisairo said: “As Baba rests, those of us who remain should carry forth his spirit—the fight for equality, transparency, and the dream of a better Kenya for us and the generations to come.”

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said Raila stood for dialogue and reconciliation.

“The best gift we can give this great man is to keep that spirit alive—to continue engaging in dialogue, even when we disagree,” he said.

Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka said the country was mourning a courageous man whose contribution to the nation was immense.

“What Raila has done for this country during very difficult times is remarkable,” Wamboka stated.

Nandi Woman Rep Cynthia Muge said she was a direct beneficiary of the ideals Raila championed, particularly devolution.

“I was first elected to the County Assembly of Nandi—an institution that exists because of Raila’s vision,” she said.

Turbo MP Janet Sitienei described Raila as “a charismatic leader and one of the key figures who fought for democracy in our country.”

Marakwet East MP Bowen Kangogo called Raila “a democrat who fought for the liberation of this country during the one-party era” and “the true architect and father of the 2010 Constitution.”

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi echoed these sentiments, stating: “I plead that his great loss may unite us as Kenyans. Raila the body will fade, but Raila the spirit will never die.”

Eldama-Ravine MP Musa Sirma described Baba as a man who bore the weight of history but blazed a trail for future generations.

“Despite all the suffering he endured, he did not harbour grudges. He treated it as part of our history,” Sirma concluded.