Nation Gathers to Honor Raila Odinga: Family Leads Anniversary Tribute Amidst Nationwide Commemorations

Kenya has been swept by a wave of commemorations marking the first anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a figure widely revered for his life, legacy, and profound contributions to the nation. Across various towns and urban centers, from Nairobi's Uhuru Park to Kisumu, Kakamega, Migori, Homa Bay, and Bondo, thousands gathered in befitting and colourful ceremonies. These month-long tributes, dubbed "Mwezi wa Baba" (Month of Baba), are intended to run throughout October, celebrating Odinga as a peacemaker, a visionary of hope, a voice for nationalism, and a flame of wisdom.

The commemorations began with widespread candle-lighting ceremonies, notably at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, where Kenyans remembered the late leader under the theme “Flame of Liberty and Peace with a Lift of Umoja.” Music, including songs associated with Odinga and tracks from his past election campaigns, filled the air as mourners congregated. Political leaders present utilized the occasion to advocate for unity within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and urged members to safeguard Odinga’s enduring legacy. Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo explicitly called for party loyalty, stating, “I want to thank Raila’s family and every person who has come to commemorate the memorial of our late leader, Raila Odinga, and let’s stay together and loyal to his party because he left it for us.” Similarly, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga lauded Odinga's dedication to the country, highlighting his instrumental role in advocating for devolution and shaping Kenya's trajectory. “No one has fought for the country more than Raila Odinga. As a party, we will forever remember him,” Wanga affirmed.

However, the organization of these anniversary events has been marked by a nuanced divergence between the ODM party and Odinga's family. While ODM initially announced a series of rallies across the country to honour its late founding leader, the family subsequently asserted that the ceremonies would be inclusive and family-led, not merely ODM events. This clarification came through a national steering committee formed by the family, led by Odinga's long-time technocrat and advisor Adams Oloo, alongside members like nominated senator Crystal Asige and Siaya governor James Orengo. The official candle-lighting ceremony, as announced by Otiende Amolo, the Vice Chairman of the National Steering Committee and Rarieda MP, will be led by Mama Ida Odinga and the family on October 14, 2026, at Kang'o Ka'Jaramogi, Odinga's family home. This family-led event is set to officially initiate the first death anniversary celebrations, further emphasizing the family's central role amidst the party's broader initiatives, including the official opening and handover of Odinga's mausoleum in Kang'o.

Across the country, regional commemorations underscored Odinga's widespread impact. In Kakamega County, Governor Fernandes Barasa, who also chairs the ODM County Chairpersons Caucus, called for unwavering party unity and faithfulness to Odinga's political legacy. He urged members to set aside personal differences and uphold the principles of democracy, social justice, equality, and national unity championed by the late leader. Barasa notably stressed allegiance to Odinga's commitment to a broad-based government and the political understanding supporting President William Ruto's re-election bid, warning against "personal interests, internal differences or betrayal." Owen Musoma and Daisy Akoth, ODM leaders in Kakamega town, also urged an end to internal wrangles, emphasizing early preparations for the 2027 General Election to field candidates across all elective positions. Kakamega County plans its main commemoration on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Migori County also hosted a significant vigil, where Governor Ochilo Ayacko led thousands in a candle-lit event at the historic Posta Grounds, which was officially renamed the Raila Amollo Odinga Grounds in a powerful tribute. The grounds were illuminated by flickering candles, and resounding chants of "Tinga! Tinga!", "Baba", and "Jowi" echoed, accompanied by liberation songs. Governor Ayacko expressed the county's immense gratitude, stating, "A year without Baba is a year of emptiness." In Kisumu, crowds gathered at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sportsground, carrying candles and showing visible emotion, with some residents expressing sadness over what they perceived as a rollback of some of Odinga's hard-won gains for the country.

Busia County's ODM supporters, led by party secretary Fidelis Opetu, also participated in candle-lighting ceremonies, visiting the ACK Compassionate School in Budokomi. Opetu lauded Odinga as a courageous leader whose contribution to Kenya's democratic struggle would remain relevant for generations. He further advocated for the Ministry of Education to incorporate Odinga's history into the school curriculum and proposed that October 15 be declared a national day of remembrance for him.

Regrettably, the memorial event at Uhuru Park in Nairobi was marred by reports of theft, with several attendees losing personal belongings, particularly mobile phones, amidst the dense crowds. Security personnel intervened to restore calm, but some attendees voiced frustration over the organizational and security arrangements, calling for improvements in crowd management for future events. Despite these challenges, the widespread participation underscored the deep reverence and enduring impact of Raila Odinga on the Kenyan populace, as his legacy continues to inspire calls for unity, democracy, and national progress.