Petition Seeks Statue Honouring Raila
A group of Kenyan citizens has come together to petition the National Assembly for the creation of a national statue honoring former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga right within the Parliament grounds. This initiative aims to recognize his significant contributions to Kenya’s democracy, governance, and social reform.
The petition, which is in line with Article 119 of the Constitution, the Petition to Parliament (Procedure) Act, and the National Museums and Heritage Act, calls on lawmakers to celebrate Mr. Odinga’s legacy as a Father of Democracy, a Defender of Human Rights, and a Champion for Devolution and Gender Equality.
The petitioners believe that this proposed monument would stand as a national symbol of the struggle for democracy and reform, inspiring future generations and serving as a reminder to legislators of the core values and principles that form the foundation of 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 shines a light on Odinga’s extensive career in public service, showcasing his time as the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata from 1992 to 2013, his role as Minister for Roads and Public Works, and his position as Kenya’s first Prime Minister under the Grand Coalition Government from 2008 to 2013.
It also points out his leadership as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Infrastructure from 2018 to 2022.
The petitioners contend that while Kenya has honored other national heroes like Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and Tom Mboya with statues and memorials, there’s currently no monument that acknowledges Raila Odinga’s significant contributions to democracy and constitutional reform.
They emphasize that such monuments are crucial for preserving our national history and culture, as outlined in Article 11 of the Constitution, which encourages the State to promote cultural expression and heritage.
Drawing comparisons to international examples like the Lincoln Memorial in the United States and the Winston Churchill statue in the United Kingdom, the petitioners argue that the proposed Odinga monument would symbolize Kenya’s democratic journey and act as a moral guide for 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 argue that their attempts to address the issue through other government channels have fallen flat, which has led them to take their case straight to Parliament, citing Article 94(1) and Article 119. These articles ensure that citizens have the right to petition the House.
If their request is granted, the monument would become part of a select group of national memorials that celebrate Kenya’s icons of liberation and reform. It would also be the first monument to be placed within the Parliament grounds in honor of a living statesman.
Petition Seeks Statue Honouring Raila
