The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has mourned the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as a monumental figure whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy and legal reforms will never be forgotten.
In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the society is deeply saddened by the devastating news of Raila’s passing, noting that he was a towering figure in the country’s political and legal landscape.
“Raila has been a monumental figure in the Kenyan democratic space, who has maintained a towering presence in shaping the path of a country that would not know true democracy without his immeasurable contributions and sacrifice,” Odhiambo said.
She added that the LSK joins the Odinga family, friends, and the entire nation in mourning a stalwart of Kenyan democracy. “We pray for God’s divine comfort and calmness in this difficult time. The Hon. Raila Odinga’s life was inextricably linked to the struggle for constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law in Kenya. His relentless public advocacy was instrumental in shaping the legal and political landscape that we now enjoy,” she said.
Odhiambo noted that the LSK recognises Raila’s unparalleled contribution to the multi-party system and the expansion of democratic space in Kenya. She said his fight against authoritarian regimes went beyond politics—it was a legal battle for justice, due process, and equality before the law.
She highlighted his role in championing the repeal of Section 2A of the former Constitution, which ended one-party rule and opened the door to pluralistic democracy and political competition. His vision, she added, was firmly embedded in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, which stands as the cornerstone of the country’s modern jurisprudence.
“As a key figure in the constitutional review process, the Hon. Odinga fought for a constitutional framework that is globally acclaimed for its progressive and expansive Bill of Rights. His vision for devolution was central to the final document, creating a governance system designed to disperse power, enhance accountability, and bring services closer to the people,” Odhiambo stated.
The LSK President said Raila’s sacrifices were instrumental in advancing human rights and socio-economic justice. She credited him for laying the ethical foundation for reforms that promoted equity in health, education, housing, and access to justice.
“The Hon. Odinga was a tireless voice for the marginalised, ensuring that the legal definition of citizenship transcended political participation to encompass dignity and economic inclusion,” she added.
The LSK also celebrated Raila’s distinguished public service career, which spanned over five decades and included roles such as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, Prime Minister of Kenya, Minister of Roads, Public Works and Housing, Minister for Energy, and Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency.
Odhiambo said Raila exemplified statesmanship, sacrifice, and an unyielding spirit of hope for a free and democratic Kenya. “He was at the heart of reclaiming multi-party politics in Kenya and saved this nation from the cusp of totalitarianism more times than we can recount,” she noted.
“We celebrate the illustrious political career that the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga had over the space of five decades. That career, which earned him global recognition as an irrefutable enigma in Kenyan and African politics, was characterized by sacrifice, persistence, fidelity to the nation, and compassion for the plight of his people,” she said.
Odhiambo concluded that Raila not only lived by the rule of law but also fought for it and personified it. “He gave all he could so that justice, truth, and the rule of law would remain a lasting part of the Kenyan reality,” she said.
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