The special session, he said, will be dedicated entirely to eulogising Raila, a man many described as the heart and conscience of Kenya’s democracy.
Wetang’ula’s Heartfelt Directive
During Wednesday afternoon’s sitting, Wetang’ula’s voice trembled slightly as he made the announcement. The House had just observed a minute of silence, with MPs bowing their heads in shared grief.
“Tomorrow will be a very special day,” Wetang’ula began solemnly. “For many, if not all of you, it will be the only opportunity to eulogise the Prime Minister. It is advised from yours truly that you come in a sombre state, in sombre attire, meaning I advise that we dress in black.”
The Speaker further called upon the female MPs to prepare ribbons for everyone as a mark of solidarity.
“The good ladies should provide ribbons for everyone so that we demonstrate our respect and appreciation for our fallen heroic leader,” he added.
According to the Speaker, the session will start at 10 a.m. and continue until midnight, giving every MP an opportunity to speak about Raila’s towering legacy.
A photo of the parliament buildings and an insert of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, October 15, 2025.
Even though MPs did not get an immediate opportunity to eulogise him, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed were granted brief moments to speak before leaving for India to oversee the repatriation of Raila’s remains.
Ichung’wah’s Emotional Tribute
Ichung’wah, visibly emotional, described Raila as a pan-African icon and a father figure to many in Kenya’s political class.
“We will all remember our Prime Minister as a great Pan-Africanist, the foremost son of Africa and our great nation,” he said. “We will remember him also in many ways as a father to our nation and a father to many of us.”
He revealed that Raila had personally called him weeks earlier to condole with him after his father’s passing.
“When the news was broken to us by the President, it was a very difficult moment because just a few weeks ago I spoke to the former Prime Minister. He called to condole with me when I lost my dad, and he was upbeat. But he did indicate to me that he was a little under the weather and wouldn’t be able to join us,” Ichung’wah recounted.
His words left many MPs in tears, with some quietly wiping their eyes as the memories of Raila’s warmth and humility filled the chamber.
Junet’s Struggle with Grief
On his part, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed struggled to contain his emotions. His voice broke several times as he attempted to speak.
“I want to take this opportunity to condole with the family of my leader, the entire ODM fraternity, and the country at large for the loss that we have encountered today of a great man,” he said.
He paused briefly, then admitted that he was still processing the devastating news.
An image of former Prime minister Raila Odinga
“I am still coming to terms with what happened, so I will request you to allow me to do my condolences tomorrow, God willing. Some of us had a very deep relationship with our leader. We knew death would come one day, but we didn’t expect it so soon,” Junet added, fighting back tears.
The chamber fell quiet again. Many MPs could not hide their sorrow as memories of Raila’s sacrifices for democracy and unity filled their minds.
Raila’s passing has united even the fiercest political rivals. Across party lines, leaders have described his death as “a national tragedy” and “a loss too heavy to bear.”
Citizens light candles, raise Kenyan flags, and hold portraits of the man they fondly called “Baba.”
“We have lost our father,” said one mourner in Bondo. “He fought for us even when it cost him everything. Kenya will never forget.”
In Kibera, chants of “Raila Tosha!” and “Baba Forever!” fill the air as hundreds continue to gather in mourning.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s special sitting is expected to draw global attention, with diplomats, religious leaders, and members of the Odinga family invited to attend.
The sitting will also mark the beginning of a series of State-led memorial events, culminating in Raila’s State Funeral, which President William Ruto confirmed will include military honours and full national protocols.
Speaker Wetang’ula’s call for sombre dress has resonated beyond Parliament. Many Kenyans have vowed to wear black on Thursday in solidarity with their leaders and the Odinga family.
“We are one nation in pain, but also one nation in gratitude,” Wetang’ula concluded. “Raila Odinga’s spirit will forever live in the hearts of millions of Kenyans.”
Members of the National Assembly during a vote to entrench the NG-CDF, NGAAF, and Senate Oversight Fund into the Constitution on July 1, 2025.
As dawn approaches, the capital remains calm but heavy with emotion. The flags across the country fly at half-mast, symbolizing a nation mourning one of its greatest sons.
