Chief Justice Martha Koome Pays Tribute to Late Raila Odinga at His Home in Bondo

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The Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya, Honorable Martha Koome, today visited the home of the late Orange Democratic Party (ODM) leader, Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay her final respects.

The Chief Justice was accompanied by senior officials from the Judiciary, including judges and members of the Judicial Service Commission.

Upon arrival, Koome and her delegation were warmly received by Mama Ida Odinga and other members of the Odinga family.

The atmosphere was somber but dignified as mourners continued to troop into the homestead of the fallen statesman, whose passing marked the end of a significant era in Kenya’s political history.

In her address, Chief Justice Koome praised Raila Odinga for his tireless dedication to justice, democracy, and constitutionalism.

She described him as a patriot who sacrificed his personal comfort for the good of the nation, particularly through his advocacy for constitutional reforms that shaped the modern Kenyan state.

“Raila Odinga’s legacy cannot be told without mentioning his role in championing the rule of law and people-centered governance.

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He believed in a Kenya where rights and freedoms were guaranteed for all citizens, and where the Constitution served as a shield for justice and equality,” said the Chief Justice.

She further noted that Raila’s relentless fight for a new constitutional order in the 1990s and 2000s laid the groundwork for the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which remains the cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy today.

Koome also hailed Raila for his statesmanship and resilience, emphasizing that his life’s work continues to inspire leaders within and beyond Kenya.

Mama Ida Odinga, while expressing gratitude for the visit, thanked the Judiciary for standing with the family during this difficult time. She noted that her late husband had a deep respect for the judicial arm of government and often spoke of the need to protect its independence as a pillar of democracy.

As the Judiciary delegation joined the Odinga family in signing the condolence book, emotions were high among mourners who spoke of Raila as a true servant of the people — one who endured detention, political persecution, and ridicule but never wavered in his fight for justice and equality.

A Brief History of Raila Odinga’s Journey in Constitutional Reforms

Raila Odinga’s involvement in Kenya’s constitutional transformation spans over four decades. His journey began in the 1980s when he joined pro-democracy movements opposing the one-party rule under KANU.

Raila was among the key figures who fought for the reintroduction of multiparty democracy, a struggle that saw him detained multiple times without trial.

In the early 2000s, Raila played a central role in the Bomas Constitutional Conference, advocating for a people-driven constitution that decentralized power and enhanced accountability.

Though the initial 2005 draft was rejected in a referendum, Raila continued his push for reforms.

His efforts bore fruit in 2010 when, as Prime Minister under the Grand Coalition Government, he spearheaded the campaign for the new Constitution. The 2010 Constitution introduced devolution, an expanded Bill of Rights, and stronger checks on executive power — principles that Raila had championed for decades.

Even after its enactment, Raila continued advocating for constitutional amendments to strengthen governance and inclusivity, most notably through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which sought to address historical injustices and promote national unity.

Raila Odinga’s lifelong dedication to constitutionalism remains one of his greatest legacies — a testament to his unwavering belief in a just and democratic Kenya.