Speaker Wetang’ula Presents Raila Odinga’s Hansard Record to Ida Odinga at Bondo Funeral Mass

In a moving tribute to Kenya’s fallen statesman, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, on Sunday handed over a bound Hansard compilation of the late Raila Amollo Odinga’s parliamentary contributions to his widow, Dr. Ida Odinga.

The symbolic presentation took place during the funeral mass at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, where thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, gathered to pay their last respects.

The Hansard volumes capture decades of Odinga’s parliamentary life, chronicling his passionate debates as a Member of Parliament, legislative initiatives, petitions, and his historic tenure as Kenya’s second Prime Minister (2008–2013), notably featuring the “Prime Minister’s Question Time.”

“This Hansard is not just a record of speeches—it is the story of a man who gave his life to public service and democracy,” said Speaker Wetang’ula. “It is a national treasure that enshrines his vision and voice in our democratic journey.”

Receiving the document with visible emotion, Dr. Ida Odinga described it as a priceless legacy. “For generations to come, young Kenyans will read his words, understand his struggles, and be inspired to continue the fight for a better Kenya,” she said.

In his eulogy, Wetang’ula praised Raila as a true patriot and “one of the greatest sons of the soil,” citing his role in the 2008 power-sharing deal that helped restore peace in Kenya after a disputed election. “In the face of national crisis, Raila chose dialogue over division, unity over vengeance,” the Speaker recalled.

He also conveyed condolences from Members of the National Assembly, noting that a special sitting had been held in Odinga’s honour. Extracts from that session, along with his lifetime contributions, will be preserved in both the National Assembly Library and the Kenya National Archives.

Calling on the current leadership to honour Raila’s legacy, Wetang’ula urged President Ruto to champion national unity and reject divisive politics. “Even in defeat, Raila reminded us that no cause is worth the blood of a fellow Kenyan,” he said.

The funeral mass drew a broad spectrum of national and international leaders, opposition figures, clergy, and citizens—all united in mourning a political icon whose four-decade career shaped Kenya’s democratic transition and inspired generations.

Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his Opoda home, leaving behind a legacy immortalized not just in memory—but in the very pages of Kenya’s parliamentary history.