Kenyans Petition Parliament to Erect Raila Odinga Statue
A group of Kenyan citizens has submitted a petition to the National Assembly, calling for the erection of a national statue in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga within the Parliament precincts. The move seeks to recognize Odinga’s lifelong contribution to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and social transformation.
The petition, filed under Article 119 of the Constitution, the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act, and the National Museums and Heritage Act, urges lawmakers to immortalize Mr. Odinga’s legacy as the Father of Democracy, a Defender of Human Rights, and a Champion for Devolution and Gender Equality.
According to the petitioners, the proposed monument would serve as a lasting symbol of Kenya’s democratic journey and reform efforts. It would also act as a reminder to future generations and sitting legislators of the principles that define 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 citizens emphasized that Odinga’s political journey spans decades of sacrifice and public service. They highlighted his tenure as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata (1992–2013), his service as Minister for Roads and Public Works, and his historic role as Kenya’s first Prime Minister under the Grand Coalition Government (2008–2013).
The petition also refers to his continental leadership as African Union Commission Chairperson for Infrastructure between 2018 and 2022, noting that his work extended beyond Kenya to the entire African continent.
The petitioners believe that honouring Odinga with a statue would not only honor his legacy but also consecrate his lifelong fight for democracy and justice to the heart of the country’s law-making institution.
They argue that although Kenya has honoured national heroes like Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya through statues and memorials, the country has yet to recognize former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s immense contribution to democracy and constitutional reform with a similar monument.
The petitioners argue that such monuments are important in the preservation of national heritage as well as cultural identity of Kenya, an aim which is very well provided for in Article 11 of the Constitution, demanding the State to promote cultural expression and preserve heritage.
Drawing comparisons with other world icons, the petitioners invoked the Lincoln Memorial in the United States and the Winston Churchill statue in the United Kingdom as symbols of the democratic soul and resilience of their nations. They argued that a Raila Odinga statue would do the same for Kenya, symbolizing the country’s long and at times stormy journey to democracy.
“This statue would be a perpetual reminder against passing draconian laws that erode the democratic gains, constitutional protections, and devolution Odinga championed,” the petition reads in part.
The group revealed that previous attempts to address the matter through various government agencies had failed, forcing them to take their appeal directly to Parliament. They invoked Article 94(1) and Article 119 of the Constitution, which grant citizens the right to petition the House on issues of national importance.
If approved, the proposed Odinga monument would join a select list of Kenya’s national memorials that honour liberation and reform heroes. It would also become the first statue ever erected within the Parliament precincts in honour of a living statesman, marking a historic recognition of Odinga’s lifelong struggle for justice, equity, and good governance.
