Ruto explains why Raila’s body was taken to Parliament
President William Ruto has explained the decision to have the late Raila Odinga’s body lie in state at the Parliament Buildings, describing it as a national gesture of honour for a leader who shaped Kenya’s democratic history.
Ruto posted on X on Friday, October 17, 2025, alongside photos of Raila’s body, saying that Parliament was chosen because of the late leader’s long service to the institution and his contributions to lawmaking and governance.
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Also watch: State Funeral of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga
“For fifteen years, our departed leader, the Right Honourable Raila Amollo Odinga, served the people of Langata Constituency with unwavering dedication and distinction as their Member of Parliament,” Ruto said.
He added that during his time in Parliament, the late Raila was a tireless champion of justice, democracy and progress, and played a key role in shaping some of Kenya’s most important laws, including the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Prime Minister.
Honouring Raila’s legacy in Parliament
Ruto said that having Raila’s body lie in state at the August House gave the three arms of government, the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, an opportunity to jointly honour his memory and service to the nation.
“It is therefore most fitting that he lies in state at the August House, granting the three arms of Government, Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary, and the nation a solemn moment to honour, with reverence and gratitude, the life and legacy of a true patriot and statesman,” Ruto added.
Also watch: State funeral to last two hours, public viewing to follow
The late Raila’s body was escorted by the military from Lee Funeral Home to Parliament Buildings early Friday morning.
Thousands of Kenyans lined up to view his body and pay their last respects, marking one of the most emotional moments of the national mourning period.
State funeral held at Nyayo Stadium
After the body viewing at Parliament, Raila’s state funeral service was held at Nyayo Stadium, where President Ruto led Kenyans and international dignitaries in paying tribute.
The ceremony included a military guard of honour, gun salute and tributes from family, religious leaders and foreign guests.
The farewell event marked the culmination of a week of mourning that united Kenyans across political and social divides, celebrating the life of a man whose struggle for democracy and equality transformed the nation.
