Orengo to Address Media as Kenya Prepares for Raila Odinga’s First Death Anniversary

Siaya governor’s briefing comes as three days of commemorations begin, with political leaders expected to converge in Bondo for the October 15 memorial.

Siaya Governor James Orengo is set to address the media on Tuesday, October 13, as preparations gather pace for the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, with Bondo preparing to host family members, political leaders and supporters from across the country.

Orengo has scheduled the press briefing for 4pm at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County. The governor is also expected to stream his address on his social media platforms.

The governor has not publicly disclosed the specific issues he intends to address. His briefing, however, comes as a three-day programme of activities gets under way to honour Raila’s life, political journey and contribution to Kenya’s democratic development.

The anniversary falls on Thursday, October 15, marking one year since Raila died in India aged 80.

The commemorations will culminate in a public gathering at Migwena, a venue selected by the Odinga family because of its association with the late opposition leader.

Political leaders prepare to gather in Bondo

The anniversary is expected to draw leaders from different political camps, placing Raila’s legacy at the centre of national attention at a time when political alliances and the country's direction remain major subjects of public debate.

President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta are among the prominent leaders expected at the main memorial, according to published reports on the anniversary programme.

Their expected presence would bring together political figures whose relationships with Raila differed over the course of his career, reflecting the broad reach of his influence in Kenyan politics.

Raila spent decades in public life, championing multiparty democracy and constitutional reform while remaining a central figure in successive election campaigns and political negotiations.

The memorial committee has framed the celebrations around the themes The People, The Struggle and The Aspiration. The programme is intended to honour his contribution while encouraging reflection on the ideals associated with his public life.

Three-day programme begins

The commemorations are scheduled to run from October 13 to 15, with activities designed to involve different generations and communities.

Tuesday's programme includes an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu, bringing together elders, young people and other community representatives to reflect on Raila's political legacy and the issues he championed.

The activities will continue on Wednesday, October 14, with a candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family home in Bondo.

The ceremony is scheduled for 6pm and will be led by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga. Supporters in Kenya and elsewhere have also been encouraged to light candles in his memory.

The programme will culminate in the main public commemoration at Migwena Grounds on Thursday, October 15.

The organisers have invited people from different political, religious and community backgrounds to take part, presenting the anniversary as an opportunity for collective remembrance rather than a gathering for one political constituency alone.

Why Migwena Grounds matters

The choice of Migwena is significant beyond the size of the venue.

The grounds have a personal connection to Raila, who regularly attended sporting activities there. Their selection gives the public commemoration a setting linked to his life in the community, rather than limiting remembrance to formal ceremonies at his family home.

The venue is expected to accommodate mourners and supporters who wish to pay tribute to the former prime minister.

The anniversary follows the completion and official handover of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 7. President Ruto presided over the ceremony, which brought together members of the Odinga family and national leaders.

The mausoleum stands beside the resting place of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first vice-president. The site is an important part of the family’s political history and the wider story of Kenya’s struggle for independence and democratic reform.

Raila died while receiving treatment in India on October 15, 2025. He was buried at the family home in Bondo on October 19, following national memorial events attended by political leaders and members of the public.

A moment to reflect on Raila’s legacy

Beyond the ceremonies, the anniversary offers an opportunity to assess the enduring influence of a politician whose career shaped several defining moments in Kenya’s modern history.

Raila was a prominent figure in the campaign for multiparty democracy and the constitutional changes that culminated in the 2010 Constitution. His political journey also included disputed elections, periods of opposition and negotiations that altered the country's political landscape.

His legacy remains a subject of different perspectives, reflecting both his achievements and the controversies that accompanied his long career.

As the commemorations move towards Thursday’s main event, Orengo’s media briefing will provide an opportunity for the Siaya governor to address the preparations and any other matters he chooses to raise.

For the Odinga family and Raila’s supporters, the immediate focus is on bringing Kenyans together to remember a political figure whose influence extended well beyond his home county.

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.