CJ Koome recalls defending Raila during detention, hails his legacy of justice and courage
She noted that their paths crossed again in the 1990s during Kenya's pro-democracy movement, where they both participated in the push for constitutional reforms and the expansion of democratic freedoms.
Chief Justice Martha Koome led a delegation from the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the family of the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Justice paid a moving tribute to the late Raila Odinga, recalling her first encounter with him during his detention in the 1980s and early 1990s.
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"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.
"That experience gave me firsthand insight into his courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in justice even under oppression."
She noted that their paths crossed again in the 1990s during Kenya's pro-democracy movement, where they both participated in the push for constitutional reforms and the expansion of democratic freedoms.
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 Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. (X/Martha Koome)
According to the CJ, Raila was a leader of deep conviction and principle whose vision for a freer, more just Kenya inspired generations to believe in peaceful and lawful change.
"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.
Koome highlighted Raila's contribution to Kenya's legal and constitutional development, noting his pivotal role in shaping early rights jurisprudence through landmark cases such as 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), among others.
She observed that through such cases, Raila compelled the courts to confront fundamental questions of liberty, legality, and justice even during repressive times.
"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."
The Chief Justice described Raila as a towering figure whose legacy of courage, justice, and constitutionalism will continue to inspire Kenya for generations to come.
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