Pictorial: Leaders pay their respects as Raila lies in state in Parliament

Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, has been honoured by Kenyan leaders led by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto, as he lay in state in Parliament on Friday morning ahead of the National Memorial Service.

Praising his dedicated service and his role as a champion of justice, democracy and progress, President William Ruto said that it was “fitting” that Raila, fondly referred to as ‘Baba’, lay in state ahead of the National Memorial Service.

“(…) he was a tireless champion of justice, democracy, and progress — playing a pivotal role in shaping some of the most consequential laws in our Republic’s history, most notably the passage of the 2010 Constitution during his tenure as Kenya’s Prime Minister,” said President Ruto. “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.”