Senate Honours Raila on Mashujaa Day: Explains 'Lying in State'

Honoring a National Hero: The Senate’s Tribute to Raila Odinga

During this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, held on Monday, the Senate of Kenya paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga. He was hailed as a “modern-day hero” whose legacy continues to shape the nation’s democratic journey.

In its official message for Mashujaa Day, the Senate recognized Raila for his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and national unity. It emphasized that his leadership had inspired generations and strengthened Kenya’s democratic foundations.

The Senate’s statement read:
“We salute the men and women who fought for our independence, defended our democracy, and continue to serve in every corner of our republic to uphold justice, unity, and progress.”

It called on Kenyans to recommit themselves to the values that define the nation — patriotism, integrity, hard work, and respect for one another. The Senate urged all citizens to continue building a Kenya where every individual enjoys dignity, opportunity, and peace.

The Tradition of Lying in State

Following the honor bestowed upon Raila Odinga after his death in October 2025, the Senate provided an explanation of the solemn tradition of lying in State within Parliament. This is the highest honor that Parliament can bestow posthumously upon serving or former Heads of State or Government, or eminent citizens who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.

The Senate listed those who have previously lain in State in Parliament: Mzee Jomo Kenyatta (August 1978), Michael Kijana Wamalwa (August 2003), Daniel Toroitich arap Moi (February 2020), Emilio Mwai Kibaki (April 2022), and Raila Amolo Odinga (October 2025).

Although not formally codified in law, the practice carries deep historical and symbolic significance in parliamentary tradition. It offers the nation an opportunity to collectively remember and celebrate a leader’s service within the institution that represents the people.

Citing Article 94(2) of the Constitution, the Senate noted that Parliament “is the organ of State that manifests the diversity of the nation and represents the will of the people.” It added that lying in State in Parliament therefore represents “the highest affirmation by the people, through their representatives, of an individual’s immense contribution to the welfare of the people and their rights.”

The tradition of lying in State typically precedes a State Funeral and allows both citizens and legislators to pay their final respects during a period of national mourning. It draws from long-standing government traditions in which the State summons its Legislature to assemble urgently for the sole purpose of honoring one of its most distinguished servants.

A Lasting Legacy: The Hansard Volume

In a related event, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, presented a bound Hansard volume to Mama Ida Odinga. This volume captures the lifetime parliamentary record of her late husband, Raila Odinga.

The emotional handover took place during a funeral mass at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, where thousands gathered to celebrate and bid farewell to one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures.

The Hansard compilation chronicles Raila Odinga’s illustrious parliamentary career — from his early days as a Member of Parliament to his tenure as Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. It features his debates, motions, bills, petitions, and his historic Prime Minister’s Question Time, offering a detailed account of his lifelong advocacy for democracy, justice, and equality.