Wamuzi News Ke
In a move that has stirred fresh waves of emotion and political discussion across the nation, an advocate from Kennedy Oduor Wanyanga Advocates has formally petitioned the National Funeral Committee to consider laying the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga to rest at the Kenyatta Mausoleum or Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
According to the petition, the lawyer argues that Raila Odinga’s towering legacy as a symbol of national unity, democracy, and liberation justifies a burial site of national significance—one that would allow Kenyans to continue paying homage to his lifelong service and struggle for freedom.
The advocate cited legal backing under the Retirement Benefits (State Officers) Act and the Constitution of Kenya, stating that Odinga’s contributions to the country’s political evolution and peace efforts merit the same honor accorded to the nation’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.
“Raila Odinga transcended politics. He embodied the spirit of Kenya’s democracy and resilience. His resting place should reflect that,” reads part of the petition.If approved, this move would mark the first time in Kenya’s history that a non-president is interred at the Kenyatta Mausoleum, a highly symbolic resting ground located within the precincts of Parliament Buildings.
The alternative proposal—Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park—carries its own deep historical resonance, as it has long been associated with resistance movements, public freedom struggles, and citizen empowerment, causes Raila championed throughout his life.
The proposal has, however, divided opinion among Kenyans. Some supporters view it as a fitting recognition of Raila’s six-decade fight for democracy, human rights, and multi-party politics. Others argue that such a move would politicize a sacred national site and blur the lines between state honor and political heroism.
Meanwhile, members of the National Funeral Committee are expected to deliberate on the petition in the coming days. The decision, insiders say, could carry profound historical and political implications, setting a precedent for how Kenya honors its most influential leaders.
As the nation continues to mourn the loss of the man often described as “the people’s president,” this new development has once again placed Raila Odinga’s legacy at the center of Kenya’s national consciousness—even in death, his name continues to shape the course of history.
