The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has launched a month-long programme of activities to mark the first anniversary of the death of its founding leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.
Raila died on 15 October 2025 while receiving medical treatment in India. The commemorative period, designated “Mwezi wa Baba” (Month of Baba), begins on 2 October 2026 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony.
Candle lighting ceremony
ODM has called on Kenyans both at home and abroad to light candles at exactly 6:00 p.m. on 2 October in remembrance of the late leader. In Nairobi, the principal public gathering will take place at Uhuru Park, commencing at 3:00 p.m. and continuing into the evening. Party officials have encouraged families and communities to pause, reflect and honour Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s democratic development and Pan-African ideals.
The programme extends across the country throughout October. Key events include a major memorial rally in Kakamega on 9 October, drawing supporters from western Kenya counties. Family-led activities are scheduled from 10 to 15 October, culminating in the principal memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on 15 October ; the exact anniversary of Odinga’s death.
President William Ruto is expected to attend the Bondo ceremony, during which a memorial facility under construction is anticipated to be unveiled.
Memorial events to take place across the country
Subsequent events will take place in
- Garissa (17 October)
- The Coast region (18–19 October)
- Kajiado (21 October)
- Turkana (23–25 October).
The month will conclude with a large memorial rally in Nairobi on 31 October. Separately, Odinga’s family has established a national steering committee, chaired by Professor Adams Oloo and deputised by Rarieda Member of Parliament Dr Otiende Amollo, to coordinate official commemorative activities and ensure the anniversary remains focused on national reflection rather than partisan interests.
Raila Odinga, who served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and contested the presidency on five occasions, remains a polarising yet highly influential figure in Kenyan politics. The commemorations occur against the backdrop of preparations for the 2027 general election and ongoing discussions about the future direction of ODM and the broader opposition landscape.
Party leaders have emphasised that the month should serve as an opportunity for collective remembrance of Odinga’s role in expanding democratic space rather than as a platform for immediate political contestation.
As Kenya approaches the first anniversary of his death, the planned activities reflect both personal loss for the Odinga family and a broader public desire to evaluate the enduring impact of one of the country’s most significant post-independence political figures.
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