Karua, Sifuna Arrive in Bondo for Raila Memorial as Ruto Continues North Rift Tour

Opposition figures have joined mourners in Bondo to mark one year since Raila Odinga’s death, as the gathering brings renewed attention to the political divisions shaping his legacy ahead of the 2027 election.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have arrived in the Kisumu-Bondo area for the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The gathering at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, marks one year since Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80.

Their arrival brings together politicians who worked with Raila during different stages of his career, but who now occupy different positions in Kenya’s changing political landscape.

Karua announced her arrival in Kisumu in a tribute to the late opposition leader, describing him as a close friend whose influence remains part of the country’s history.

“I have just landed in Kisumu ahead of the memorial of my dear brother and friend, the late Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” she said.

“It is hard to believe that it has already been a year, but today we gather to remember a life that touched so many and a legacy that remains deeply woven into our nation's history.”

Sifuna and Babu also shared footage of their arrival at Kisumu International Airport before travelling towards Siaya. Siaya Governor James Orengo and Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo were also reported at the memorial gathering. <Cite refs={["turn244064search1","turn362761search0","turn244064search2"]}/>

Ruto’s attendance remains uncertain

President William Ruto’s participation in the main memorial was still unconfirmed in the latest reports reviewed, despite earlier reports listing him among the expected guests.

The President is undertaking a 10-day development tour of the North Rift, with scheduled activities in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.

His programme includes road launches, affordable housing inspections, the issuance of title deeds and the commissioning of public facilities. The itinerary places him away from Bondo during the day’s scheduled activities, although that alone does not establish that he will miss the memorial altogether. <Cite refs={["turn362761search4","turn244064search5"]}/>

Ruto has already taken part in the remembrance programme. On October 7, he attended the ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo marking the handover and dedication of Raila’s mausoleum.

His relationship with Raila was politically significant. The two leaders had a long history of political engagement, and Raila entered a broad-based cooperation arrangement with Ruto before his death.

The President’s presence at the mausoleum ceremony was one part of the official commemoration. Whether he attends the main public event at Migwena is a separate question.

A memorial taking place amid political divisions

The gathering comes as politicians position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election and debate who should carry forward Raila’s political legacy.

Sifuna, who has emerged as a leading voice among critics of ODM’s cooperation with the government, is associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and The Equitable Party (TEP). Karua has also maintained an opposition profile through her People’s Liberation Party.

Their presence in Bondo brings attention to a wider question facing Raila’s former allies: how to honour his legacy while disagreeing over the political path Kenya should take next.

Raila’s influence extended beyond ODM. He built relationships across political parties and communities during decades of opposition politics, constitutional reform campaigns and negotiations with successive governments.

That history helps explain why the anniversary has drawn attention beyond his traditional political base. But the appearance of rival political figures at a memorial does not, by itself, signal a new alliance.

The gathering is taking place against the backdrop of ODM’s own disagreements over its relationship with Ruto’s administration and the party’s direction without its founding leader. <Cite refs={["turn362761search20","turn244064search10"]}/>

Family urges leaders to focus on Raila’s life

Raila’s family and the memorial organisers have called on politicians to avoid turning the commemoration into a contest between rival camps.

Ahead of the anniversary, his widow, Ida Odinga, urged leaders and supporters to keep the focus on remembering the former Prime Minister. Siaya Governor Orengo has also called for peace and restraint.

The family’s appeal reflects concerns that a gathering meant to honour Raila could become a stage for political mobilisation at a time when competition ahead of the next election is intensifying.

The anniversary programme included a candle-lighting event at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on Wednesday evening, followed by the main public gathering at Migwena Grounds on Thursday. Thousands of mourners began arriving at the venue early in the morning, with police on standby to manage the crowd. <Cite refs={["turn362761search12","turn362761search13","turn362761search2"]}/>

One year later, Raila’s influence remains contested

Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, ended a political career that had shaped Kenya’s opposition politics for decades. His campaigns for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and electoral justice left a lasting mark on the country’s public life.

His first anniversary is therefore both a moment of remembrance and a reminder of the political space he left behind.

Karua, Sifuna and other leaders have arrived to honour a man with whom they shared political struggles and personal relationships. Ruto’s involvement in the wider commemoration also reflects the complex relationship between the former Prime Minister and the current administration.

Yet the question of who best represents Raila’s legacy remains unsettled.

For mourners gathered in Bondo, the day is about remembering a leader who shaped their lives and the country’s politics. For politicians looking towards 2027, his legacy continues to carry considerable weight.

The challenge for all sides is to honour his memory without allowing the anniversary to become another battleground for political rivalry.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.