The Senior Counsel Bar has joined the nation in mourning the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as one of the greatest champions of justice, democracy, and constitutional reform in Kenya’s history.
In a statement, the Senior Counsel Bar chair Philip Murgor said Odinga’s death is a “great collective loss” to the nation and a painful one to millions whose lives he touched.
“To many of our members, Hon. Odinga was a friend, client, and ally in the quest for the new constitutional dispensation we currently enjoy. His unexpected death therefore comes as a profound loss,” Murgor said.
He praised Odinga’s lifelong dedication to justice and democracy, noting that his contributions had expanded Kenya’s political maturity, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law.
“We remember his earliest sacrifice when he was detained without trial in the 1980s, his unyielding efforts to reclaim Kenya as a multi-party state, and his persistence in agitating for electoral justice,” Murgor stated.
He added that Odinga embodied selfless leadership, courage, and statesmanship. “His devout commitment to serving Kenyans may never have culminated in the presidency, but he shaped the nation’s history and future in ways that transcend political office. Thanks to his visionary leadership, we today enjoy devolution, accountable governance, and a robust Bill of Rights.”
The Senior Counsel Bar extended condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the family, and all Kenyans mourning Raila’s passing. “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Murgor said.
Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya also paid tribute to Raila, describing him as a monumental figure whose legacy will forever be etched in the country’s democratic and legal history.
In her statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the Society is deeply saddened by the news, noting that Raila was a towering figure in both political and legal reform.
“Raila has been a monumental figure in Kenya’s democratic space—his immeasurable contributions and sacrifice helped shape a nation that would not know true democracy without him,” Odhiambo said.
She added that Odinga’s life was inseparable from the struggle for constitutionalism, human rights, and the rule of law. “His relentless public advocacy was instrumental in shaping the legal and political landscape we now enjoy.”
Odhiambo highlighted Odinga’s pivotal role in the repeal of Section 2A of the former Constitution, which ended one-party rule and ushered in a multi-party system. She also noted his significant input in the 2010 Constitution, which entrenched devolution and expanded the Bill of Rights.
“His vision for devolution created a governance system designed to disperse power, enhance accountability, and bring services closer to the people,” she said.
The LSK President also praised Odinga’s contribution to human rights and socio-economic justice, saying his leadership helped build ethical reforms that promoted equality in health, education, and access to justice.
“The Hon. Odinga was a tireless voice for the marginalised. He ensured citizenship was defined not just by political participation but by dignity and economic inclusion,” she said.
Odhiambo further noted Raila’s distinguished public service career, which spanned more than five decades. “He served as African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, Prime Minister, Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing, Minister for Energy, and Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency.”
She added that Raila personified sacrifice and statesmanship. “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.”
“We celebrate the illustrious career of the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, which earned him global recognition as an enigma in Kenyan and African politics. He gave all he could so that justice, truth, and the rule of law would remain a lasting part of the Kenyan reality,” she concluded.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest on Sunday at his home in Bondo, Siaya County.
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