The Nairobi County Assembly on Tuesday adjourned its normal proceedings to pay tribute to the late former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Amolo Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025.
During the solemn sitting, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) from across the political divide united to celebrate Odinga’s towering legacy and immense contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic transformation.
Speaker Ken Ngondi led the tributes, describing Odinga as a “towering figure whose leadership transformed lives.” He acknowledged the personal role Odinga played in his own political journey, saying the late leader offered him mentorship and the opportunity to serve in leadership within Nairobi.
“Raila Odinga opened doors for many of us who came from humble backgrounds,” Ngondi said. “He believed in the potential of ordinary Kenyans and gave us the courage to lead.”
Majority Leader Peter Imwatok delivered an emotional eulogy, recalling how Odinga had lifted him from poverty to political prominence.
“Baba picked me from the rungs of poverty in Makongeni where I worked as a night watchman for Kenya Railways,” Imwatok said. “Through his guidance, I became the first person from the small Teso community to be elected three times consecutively as Makongeni MCA.”
Imwatok praised Odinga for his courage to make difficult yet principled decisions, citing his unwavering stance on environmental conservation.
“Raila made tough but right decisions even when they were unpopular — such as his fight to protect the Mau Forest,” he added.
Minority Leader Anthony Kiragu said even a year would not be enough to mourn a man of Raila’s stature, describing him as a leader who endured immense pain to inspire others.
“Baba endured a lot of pain to inspire many. He is Kenya’s best friend that the country never truly had — and the best African Union Commission Chairman that Africa never had,” Kiragu said.
He added that Odinga’s persistent advocacy for peace and stability, even in moments of political tension, made him stand out from the rest.
“He consistently chose stability over endless chaos, a rare quality in our political landscape,” he noted.
Deputy Speaker Paul Kados echoed the sentiments, saying Raila’s name is deeply woven in the hearts of Kenyans and that his pursuit of justice remains unmatched.
“His name is etched in our national consciousness,” Kados said. “From his decision to quit Ford Kenya in 1994 to form the National Development Party (NDP), which he used to win the Lang’ata parliamentary by-election, Raila demonstrated resilience and vision that shaped Kenya’s multiparty history.”
However, Majority Chief Whip Moses Ogeto struck a different tone, taking aim at some of Odinga’s longtime political adversaries who had begun praising him after his death.
“It is hypocritical for those who spent years undermining Baba to now stand before cameras.
The MCAs held an all-members workshop in Kisumu on Thursday last week before proceeding to the Opoda firm in Bondo to mourn together with Mama Ida Odinga and the family
