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A group of Kenyan citizens has submitted a petition to the National Assembly calling for the erection of a statue of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga within the Parliament precincts to recognise his contributions to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and social reforms.
Filed under Article 119 of the Constitution, alongside the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act and the National Museums and Heritage Act, the petition urges lawmakers to immortalise Mr. Odinga’s legacy as a Father of Democracy, Human Rights Defender, and Advocate for Devolution and Gender Equality.
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The petitioners propose that the monument serve as a national symbol of Kenya’s democratic struggle and reform journey — inspiring future generations while reminding legislators of the principles enshrined in the 2010 Constitution.
“Installing a statue of Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga within Parliament Buildings would inspire Members of Parliament with the ideals he championed — democracy, justice, equality, and accountability,” part of the petition reads.
It outlines Odinga’s long and distinguished career in public service, including his tenure as Lang’ata MP (1992–2013), Minister for Roads and Public Works, and Kenya’s first Prime Minister in the Grand Coalition Government (2008–2013). It also references his term as African Union Commission Chairperson for Infrastructure between 2018 and 2022.
The petitioners note that while Kenya has honoured heroes such as Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya with monuments, there is no public memorial acknowledging Raila Odinga’s pivotal role in advancing democracy and constitutional reform.
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They argue that such a statue would help preserve national history and culture, in line with Article 11 of the Constitution, which mandates the State to promote cultural heritage and identity.
Citing global examples like the Lincoln Memorial in the United States and the Winston Churchill statue in the United Kingdom, the petitioners suggest that the proposed Odinga monument would symbolise Kenya’s democratic progress and serve as a moral reminder to Parliament.
“This statue would stand as a constant reminder against enacting oppressive laws that undermine the democratic gains, constitutional rights, and devolution that Odinga fought for,” the petition adds.
According to the group, previous attempts to push the proposal through other government agencies were unsuccessful, prompting them to petition Parliament directly under Articles 94(1) and 119, which allow citizens to address the House on matters of national importance.
If approved, the monument would join a select group of national memorials honouring Kenya’s reform and liberation icons — and would be the first ever erected within Parliament in honour of a living statesman.
