National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed has stated that the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga came earlier than anyone expected.

While addressing the National Assembly following Raila Odinga’s demise on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Junet, who was one of Raila’s closest allies and often accompanied him during foreign travels, admitted that although he knew the inevitable would one day happen, he did not expect it to come so soon.

Known for his vocal contributions in Parliament, Junet was on this day overwhelmed with emotion and requested not to speak much, saying he would deliver his full condolence message during Thursday’s morning session.

He explained that he was still coming to terms with what had happened and asked for more time, noting that his relationship with the late opposition leader was deeply personal.

“I am still coming to terms with what has happened, so I will request you to allow me to do my condolence tomorrow. God willing. Because, Mister Speaker, some of us are very, very deep in a relationship with our leader. And we knew death would come one day. We didn’t expect it. Now,” Junet stated.

Junet made his remarks while seconding a motion to adjourn Wednesday’s sitting to Thursday, October 16, 2025, when members of Parliament will convene to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister.

Typically, Thursday sittings in Parliament run from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., but tomorrow’s session will deviate from the norm and begin at 10:00 a.m., extending until midnight to allow members adequate time to deliver their tributes.

The adjournment of Wednesday’s sitting came after lawmakers struggled to come to terms with the shocking news of Raila Odinga’s death, which caught many of them off guard.

During the morning session, several MPs broke down in tears, while others were unable to contain their emotions, leaving the House in a state of confusion.

Junet Mohammed, alongside his national assembly majority counterpart Kimani Ichungwah and other senior government officials, is expected to travel to India to join the family in preparations for the repatriation of Raila Odinga’s remains.

Raila’s death

Raila Odinga passed away on Wednesday morning during his routine morning walk while in the company of his daughter and sister in India, where he had gone for medical treatment.

The president has ordered a seven-day mourning period, during which flags in all Kenyan embassies and diplomatic offices will fly at half-mast. The late former prime minister will be accorded a state funeral with full military honours.