Petition filed to honour Raila Odinga with statue at Parliament

A group of Kenyan citizens has petitioned the National Assembly to erect a national statue in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga within the precincts of Parliament, in recognition of his contribution to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and social reform.

The petition, filed pursuant to Article 119 of the Constitution, the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act, and the National Museums and Heritage Act, urges lawmakers to immortalise Mr. Odinga’s legacy as a Father of Democracy, Human Rights Defender, and Champion for Devolution and Gender Equality.

According to the petitioners, the proposed monument would serve as a national symbol of democratic struggle and reform, inspiring future generations and reminding legislators of the values and principles that underpin the 2010 Constitution.

“Erecting a statue of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga within the precincts of Parliament Buildings would inspire Members of Parliament daily with the ideals he stood and fought for — democracy, justice, equality, and accountability,” the petition reads in part.

The petition highlights Odinga’s decades-long career in public service, including his roles as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata (1992–2013), Minister for Roads and Public Works, and Kenya’s first Prime Minister under the Grand Coalition Government (2008–2013).

It also cites his leadership as African Union Commission Chairperson for Infrastructure between 2018 and 2022.

The petitioners argue that while Kenya has honoured other national heroes such as Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya through statues and memorials, there is currently no monument recognising Raila Odinga’s contribution to democracy and constitutional reform.

They further note that such monuments play a vital role in preserving national history and culture, as envisaged under Article 11 of the Constitution, which calls on the State to promote cultural expression and heritage.

Comparing the move to international precedents such as the Lincoln Memorial in the United States and the Winston Churchill statue in the United Kingdom, the petitioners said the proposed Odinga monument would represent Kenya’s democratic journey and serve as a moral compass to Parliament.

“This statue would be a perpetual reminder against passing draconian laws that erode the democratic gains, constitutional protections, and devolution  Odinga championed,” the petition adds.

The petitioners also claim that efforts to raise the matter through other government bodies have been unsuccessful, prompting them to move directly to Parliament under Article 94(1) and Article 119, which guarantee the right of citizens to petition the House.

If approved, the monument would join a short list of national memorials honouring Kenya’s liberation and reform icons — and mark the first to be installed within the Parliament precincts in honour of a living statesman.