Raila Family Rejects ODM Control of Anniversary Events

The family of the late Raila Odinga has stepped in to shape how the country will mark the first anniversary of his death, signalling that the occasion should not be treated as the preserve of his party, ODM.

Through the Raila Odinga Secretariat, the family has appointed Prof. Adams Oloo, a university lecturer, to coordinate a programme of events beginning on October 15, the date Mr Odinga died in India last year.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening and shared on Mr Odinga’s official Facebook page, the family said the anniversary should bring together people from across the country who were touched by his life and political career.

The message appeared to draw a distinction between the family’s plans and a separate programme announced by ODM, which has branded its October activities “Mwezi wa Baba”.

The family said many of Mr Odinga’s supporters never had the chance to properly mourn him or say goodbye after his death.

“We also understand that, in the days following his passing, many of Baba’s people did not get the opportunity to mourn him in the way they would have wished,” the statement said.

That concern, the family explained, was behind the decision to appoint Prof. Oloo to coordinate the anniversary programme and ensure that those who want to participate have an opportunity to do so.

The family was also direct about ownership of the occasion.

It said the anniversary events would not belong to one person or institution, but to everyone whose life Mr Odinga had touched.

ODM had already unveiled its own programme

The family’s announcement comes shortly after ODM released its own schedule of activities across the country.

The party plans to begin its commemorations on October 2 with a candle-lighting ceremony. A memorial rally is scheduled for Kakamega on October 9, bringing together supporters from the five Western counties.

The programme then moves to Bondo, where the Odinga family is expected to take charge of activities from October 10 to 15.

ODM has also planned events in North Eastern on October 17, followed by activities at the Coast on October 18 and 19.

The commemorations are expected to resume in Kajiado on October 21 and later move to Turkana from October 23 to 25. The party has scheduled a final rally for October 31.

The two approaches have placed the family and ODM on parallel tracks, although the family has not said that party members or ODM supporters will be excluded from the wider anniversary programme.

Instead, it has stressed inclusion.

“Baba’s people will not be left behind,” the family said, adding that there would be space for people from different communities, generations and parts of the country.

The statement also asked those hoping to take part in the commemorations to remain patient as the family completes its plans.

A year after Raila's death

Mr Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, after decades at the centre of Kenya’s political life. He was buried four days later at the family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi.

His death drew tributes from across Kenya and beyond, reflecting the reach of a political career that spanned opposition politics, government and several presidential campaigns.

The first anniversary therefore carries significance beyond a single political party. For his family, it is an opportunity to remember a husband, father and grandfather. For ODM, it is also a moment to honour the party’s longtime leader and mobilise supporters around his political legacy.

The government has taken responsibility for the development of Mr Odinga’s gravesite, where a mausoleum estimated at KSh30 million is expected to be completed by October 15.

About the Author

Eugene Stephen Were, popularly known as Steve O’clock, is a Kenyan journalist, digital media specialist and multimedia storyteller. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media from Murang’a University of Technology, with expertise in news reporting, environmental journalism, digital content, photography, videography and film production. Contact & Social Media: Phone: +24795699374 | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BhhxUAYmk/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steve_oclock__mwenyewe | TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oclockcityc.e.o?_r=1&_t=ZS-98czWCBnRxg