Chief Justice Martha Koome has reflected on the life and legacy of the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a leader who stood firm for justice and democratic freedoms even during Kenya’s most difficult political seasons.
She spoke on Saturday when she led a team from the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission to comfort Mama Ida Odinga and the family.
Koome shared that her earliest contact with Raila came at a time when the country was under strict rule and many voices pushing for change faced punishment. She said she was still a young lawyer when she was asked to join the legal team representing him during his long detention.
"I first came to know Raila during one of the most difficult chapters of his life, his long detention without trial. Mama Ida Odinga instructed me, at just 26 years old, to join the legal team representing him before the Detention Review Tribunal," said CJ Koome.
The Chief Justice noted that working on that case allowed her to see the character and strength Raila carried, even when facing uncertainty and pressure.
"That experience gave me firsthand insight into his courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in justice even under oppression."
She recalled that they met again years later during the fight for multiparty politics and reforms. According to her, Raila remained committed to lawful change and always pushed for a country where freedoms were respected and protected.
CJ Martha Koome when she led a delegation from the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the family of the late Raila Odinga on November 1, 2025.PHOTO/XCJ Koome said Raila truly believed in Kenya’s ability to build a fair society, and many people were inspired by his determination to bring change through peaceful means.
"Raila was a statesman whose name will forever be etched in the history of Kenya's democracy. Through courage and sacrifice, he helped hold together the fragile threads of national unity and demonstrated deep respect for the rule of law," she said.
She said he played a central role in shaping Kenya’s constitutional direction through several court battles that tested the meaning of freedom and rights.
She highlighted cases including Raila Odinga v Attorney General & Detainees Review Tribunal (1986), Raila Odinga v Francis Ole Kaparo & Clerk of the National Assembly (1993), and Raila Odinga v Justice Majid Cockar (1997).
Koome explained that through these cases, Raila forced courts to address important issues that helped guide Kenya through a period when rights and justice were constantly challenged.
"For this, the Judiciary and the JSC celebrate the remarkable life of this constitutional pilgrim, a man whose faith in the rule of law strengthened our constitutional order," the CJ said. "His journey reminds us that the courtroom, not the battlefield, is the true arena of democratic contestation."
Koome said Raila leaves behind a powerful example of bravery and belief in the law, and his sacrifice and work will continue to influence generations and shape Kenya’s democratic future.
