Mombasa Governor Orders Free Healthcare Throughout October in Tribute to Raila Odinga

MOMBASA, Kenya — Residents seeking medical care at Mombasa County healthcare facilities will receive services free of charge throughout October following a directive by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

The governor announced the waiver on Friday, October 2, as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) launched its month-long “Mwezi wa Baba” programme to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister and ODM founder Raila Amolo Odinga.

Speaking in Mombasa, Nassir directed county health facilities to provide treatment without charging patients during the month. He also ordered the immediate discharge of patients currently admitted to county hospitals without requiring them to clear outstanding medical bills.

The directive further covers bodies being held at county mortuaries, with the governor ordering their release to families without payment.

Nassir described the initiative as a practical way of honouring Raila's legacy, saying leadership should be demonstrated through action rather than words.

The announcement came as ODM supporters and leaders across the country participated in candle-lighting ceremonies marking the beginning of the month-long commemoration. The party had called for a nationwide candle-lighting exercise at 6pm on October 2.

In Mombasa, Nassir led a candle-lighting ceremony at Treasury Square, where Raila Odinga Junior and other ODM figures were present. Similar commemorative activities were held in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

ODM designated October 2026 as “Mwezi wa Baba”, with a programme of rallies, memorial events and other activities planned across several regions. The programme is intended to mark one year since Raila's death and reflect on his contribution to Kenya's political history and public life.

The wider memorial programme includes a gathering in Kakamega on October 9, family-led activities in Bondo, regional events in Garissa and the Coast, and a final Nairobi event on October 31.

Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. His first anniversary will be marked on October 15, 2026.

The Mombasa healthcare directive adds a public-service component to the commemorations, translating the political remembrance into a county-level initiative focused on access to healthcare and relief for families facing outstanding hospital or mortuary charges.