ODM Dedicates October to Remembering Raila Odinga One Year After His Death

NAIROBI, Kenya —The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has designated the entire month of October as a period of remembrance for its founder and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, marking one year since his death.

The party has branded the month “Mwezi wa Baba” and announced a series of nationwide activities to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy, political history and Pan-Africanism.

In a statement issued Thursday, ODM described Raila’s death as a deeply painful moment for the party and his supporters, saying his legacy continues to influence the movement.

“It was a tearful moment; we were all heartbroken. God plucked the best flower from our midst. The ODM party has dedicated the entire month of October to his memory,” the party said.

Candle-Lighting Ceremony to Launch Commemorations

The month-long programme will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony.

ODM supporters have been encouraged to light candles individually or in groups at 6pm as a symbolic tribute to the late opposition leader.

The party will then hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.

Family to Lead Memorial Activities in Bondo

Between October 10 and 15, ODM will step back from its official memorial programme to allow Raila’s family to lead commemorative activities.

The period will culminate in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Raila’s ancestral home in Siaya County.

The commemorations will subsequently move to northern Kenya, where ODM has scheduled a memorial rally in Garissa Town on October 17.

The Garissa event is expected to bring together party members and supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

Memorial Activities to Span the Country

ODM will hold additional memorial activities in the Coast region on October 18 and 19, before joining the rest of the country in marking Mashujaa Day on October 20.

The party will then hold commemorative activities in Kajiado County on October 21.

The programme will continue in Turkana County from October 23 to 25, extending the remembrance campaign to another part of the country.

Nairobi Rally to Conclude ‘Mwezi wa Baba’

The month-long programme will conclude with a major “Mwezi wa Baba” memorial rally in Nairobi County on October 31.

ODM has called on its supporters to use the month of remembrance to reflect on Raila’s political ideals and rededicate themselves to what the party described as “Baba’s ideals.”

The nationwide programme is expected to provide ODM supporters with an opportunity to celebrate Raila’s political legacy while highlighting his decades-long involvement in Kenya’s democratic struggle.

Raila’s Political Legacy

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India, bringing an end to a political career spanning several decades.

He served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government and remained one of the country’s most influential political figures for decades.

His career included years in the opposition, parliamentary politics and international diplomacy, while his supporters have credited him with playing a significant role in Kenya’s multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.

The first anniversary of his death is therefore expected to be marked by extensive political and public reflection, with ODM positioning October as a month dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of its founding leader.