Emotional Speaker Moses Wetangula Tells MPs How To Dress Tomorrow, Directs All Women MPs To Do This As They Mourn Raila Odinga

Bashir Juma October 15, 2025 2 min read

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has issued a directive requiring all Members of Parliament to dress in black on Thursday as the House observes a day of mourning in honor of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

According to the Speaker, the solemn sitting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until midnight, symbolizing the nation’s deep respect and reflection on Odinga’s political legacy and decades of service to Kenya.

In his announcement, Wetang’ula emphasized the importance of unity and decorum during the mourning period.

He instructed all male MPs to don black suits, while the female MPs were asked to organize and provide black ribbons for the occasion.

The ribbons will serve as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance, as the country collectively mourns one of its most influential political figures.

“Tomorrow, the National Assembly will not be divided by party lines or ideology,” Wetang’ula declared. “We shall stand together as one House and one nation to pay our respects to Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga — a man whose contribution to democracy, freedom, and justice will forever remain etched in our history.”

The mourning session is expected to include tributes from key political leaders, prayers, and moments of silence.

Members will have an opportunity to share personal reflections and recount Odinga’s role in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.

Wetang’ula’s directive has been widely welcomed across the political divide, with many describing it as a fitting gesture for a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of national unity and democratic ideals.

The special session will mark one of the most emotional moments in Kenya’s parliamentary history.