Kenya Remembers: Raila Odinga's First Anniversary Marked by Thousands, Ruto & Uhuru Absent

Thousands of mourners gathered at the Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death. The event saw a large turnout from across the country, including political leaders, dignitaries, members of the Odinga family, and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters, who filled the grounds to honor the influential political figure. Among the prominent family members attending were Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, and his children Raila Odinga Junior, Winnie Odinga, and Rosemary Odinga.

The commemoration was marked by a strong appeal from the Odinga family and key leaders to keep partisan politics out of the solemn occasion. Ida Odinga, alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo, urged leaders to avoid transforming the memorial into a platform for political factions to contest. Mourners, many clad in orange – the color associated with Raila Odinga and ODM – arrived as early as 6 a.m., with police maintaining order. The program featured music, dance, gospel performances, and cultural displays, reflecting the traditions tied to Migwena grounds and the Odinga family. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino were also in attendance, observing the family’s request for a dignified remembrance.

Adding a significant political dimension to the commemoration was the notable absence of President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. Their non-attendance underscored the escalating public feud between the two leaders, which threatened to overshadow the ceremony honoring Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving medical attention in India. Prior to the memorial, President Ruto had handed over the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to the family on October 7.

Instead of attending the memorial, President Ruto embarked on a series of development activities in the Rift Valley. His itinerary included commissioning the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) office in Eldama Ravine, Baringo County, and launching the Timboroa-Lawina Ochi road and a last-mile electricity connectivity project in Poror. In Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, the President inspected the Sh205 million Chepkorio Modern Market. Amidst these activities, Ruto continued his sharp exchanges with his predecessor, accusing Uhuru of financing opposition activities aimed at challenging his administration. He further alleged that Uhuru failed to support his presidential ambitions, despite a supposed decade-long understanding where each would serve as president for ten years.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, speaking at the burial of Mwalimu Jackson Karua on October 3, had dismissed Ruto’s attacks, asserting that he harbored no personal political ambitions and urging his critics to focus on their responsibilities to Kenyans. He expressed satisfaction with his record in public service and reiterated that he was not seeking another elective position. Furthermore, Uhuru cautioned voters in the Mt Kenya region against repeating what he described as the political mistake of the 2022 election, where he had supported Raila Odinga and Martha Karua against Ruto. He called for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing the importance of learning from past errors.

The contrasting events—a solemn memorial for a revered leader and a charged political standoff between the nation's current and former presidents—highlighted the complex and often tense political landscape of Kenya. The ongoing rivalry between Ruto and Uhuru continues to shape national discourse, even as the country honors its past leaders, underscoring the deep divisions ahead of the next General Election in 2027.