Inside the August House this afternoon, a deep silence settled as Members of the National Assembly gathered under a cloud of grief.
The usually vibrant chamber was subdued, voices low, faces somber as Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula took his seat, the weight of national sorrow reflected in his tone.
“Following the communication and address by His Excellency the President announcing the passing on of the Right Honourable former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga,” Wetang’ula began, “this House joins the Nation in mourning our fallen hero.”
The Speaker’s words hung heavy in the chamber. Raila Odinga the man affectionately known as Baba was more than a political figure; he was a living chapter of Kenya’s democratic story. His passing marked the end of an era, and the beginning of reflection for generations he inspired.
“It is my humble advice, from yours truly, that we come in a sombre state and in sombre attire tomorrow. Let us dress in black and for those without, kindly find one this afternoon. I also request our good ladies to provide black ribbons for everyone. In doing so, we will together demonstrate our deep respect and appreciation for our fallen heroic leader. I shall make a formal statement at the opening of tomorrow’s sitting as we begin to eulogize our departed Prime Minister,” said the Speaker
Hon. Wetang’ula announced that tomorrow, Thursday, would be a special day in the life of Parliament a full-day sitting dedicated solely to eulogizing Baba.
“From 10 a.m. until late into the night, Members will rise, one by one, to honour the man who walked with Kenya through her most defining moments”, he noted.
“We will begin in the morning and go on until every voice has spoken,” the Speaker said. “It will be a day to remember Baba to share the memories, the lessons, and the dreams he leaves behind.” Added Hon. Wetang’ula.
In his gentle but firm guidance, Speaker Wetang’ula urged all Members to attend the sitting dressed in black or dark attire a visual expression of solidarity and respect.
“Let us come in a sombre state, in dark colours, to show our unity in mourning and our gratitude to a leader who gave his all for Kenya,” he advised.
He further informed the House that both the Leader of Majority and Leader of Minority had departed for Mumbai, India, to accompany Mama Ida Odinga and other dignitaries in bringing home the remains of the late Prime Minister.
They were joined by Cabinet Secretaries and other senior leaders, forming a national delegation that truly reflects the weight of the moment.
At one point, Speaker Wetang’ula paused, his tone lowering as he quoted a line that would define the afternoon.
“Like it was said in England, the Queen is dead, long live the Queen,” he said softly. “Baba is dead, long live Baba.”
Members nodded silently. The phrase captured the spirit of continuity that, while Raila Odinga’s physical presence may have departed, his ideals of democracy, justice, and sacrifice will live on in Kenya’s heart.
Wetang’ula reminded the House that Raila Odinga belonged to no single region, party, or class.
“The late former Prime Minister was larger than Kisumu,” he said. “He was loved from Vanga to Kibish from the coast to the highlands by those who saw in him the courage to speak truth to power.”
As he spoke, the chamber felt less like a House of debate and more like a national sanctuary. Across political lines, Members shared quiet nods of respect. This was not a day of division, it was a day of remembrance.
In closing, Speaker Wetang’ula called for a minute of silence a gesture echoed by bowed heads and clasped hands across the floor.
The silence was deafening. It spoke of respect, loss, and gratitude for a man who had endured prison, exile, and political storms, yet never gave up on Kenya.
“Baba may be gone,” Wetang’ula said, “but his dream for a just and united Kenya remains alive in all of us.”