ODM Opens Month-Long Raila Tribute With Nationwide Candle-Lighting

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will on Friday, October 2, open a month-long programme honouring its late founding leader Raila Odinga, with Kenyans at home and abroad invited to light candles simultaneously at 6pm.

The nationwide tribute will be the first major event in ODM’s “Mwezi wa Baba” programme, marking one year since Raila died in India on October 15, 2025.

In Nairobi, the main gathering will be held at Uhuru Park, where activities are scheduled to begin at 3pm before the candle-lighting at 6pm. The event is expected to continue into the evening.

ODM has organised parallel gatherings in towns and public spaces across the country, while supporters outside Kenya have also been encouraged to take part.

The party says the programme is intended to give Kenyans an opportunity to remember Raila’s life, political journey and contribution to the country.

Candle-lighting to spread across Kenya

ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale announced the October 2 programme in a notice issued on Thursday.

The party has designated venues in several counties, including Kisumu Central Square, Treasury Square in Mombasa, William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok and Eldoret town.

Other venues include Kanamkemer Roundabout in Turkana, Kajiado town, Migori Posta Grounds, Homa Bay town, Kakamega town, Busia Bus Park and Nakuru CBD.

Vihiga will have gatherings in Mbale and Luanda, while additional venues have been listed in Kilifi, Kiambu, Kisii, Wajir, Garissa and Nyamira.

ODM said further locations would be communicated where necessary.

The party has asked people who cannot attend the designated venues to participate wherever they are.

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has also called on Kenyans in the diaspora to join the tribute.

The message is simple: light a candle at 6pm and remember Raila.

October becomes ‘Mwezi wa Baba’

The candle-lighting is only the beginning.

ODM has planned a series of regional gatherings and memorial events throughout October.

The programme includes a major gathering in Kakamega on October 9, followed by activities in Bondo from October 10 to 15.

The party will then take its commemorations to Garissa on October 17, the Coast on October 18 and 19, Kajiado on October 21 and Turkana from October 23 to 25.

The month is expected to close with another major Nairobi gathering on October 31.

The schedule means Raila’s first anniversary will be marked through a series of events rather than a single memorial day.

For ODM, the programme is also an opportunity to revisit the former Prime Minister’s political legacy and the causes associated with his long public career.

Party and family events remain separate

The ODM programme should not be confused with the memorial activities being coordinated by Raila’s family through the National Steering Committee.

The committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, has its own anniversary programme.

It has scheduled an international candle-lighting ceremony at Raila’s resting place in Bondo for October 14.

That event will be led by Mama Ida Odinga and will take place at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where Raila was buried beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The family-led programme will culminate on October 15, the actual anniversary of Raila’s death.

This distinction is important because several remembrance activities are being organised around the same anniversary, including events by political groups, local leaders and supporters.

Raila died aged 80

Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India.

President William Ruto announced his death on the same day through a presidential proclamation.

Raila had served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained one of the country's most influential political figures for decades.

His death was followed by several days of national mourning and a state funeral before he was buried at his family home in Bondo.

The first anniversary now comes at a time when ODM is also navigating a political landscape without the man who founded and led the party for years.

The party has said the October programme is focused on remembering Raila and reflecting on his legacy.

For his supporters, Friday's candle-lighting will offer the first nationwide moment of remembrance ahead of the main anniversary on October 15.

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.