Kenyans gathered in candlelight vigils on Friday evening to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The vigils, held under the theme 'Mwezi wa Baba', brought together supporters who described Raila as a hero, mentor and a key figure in Kenya's struggle for democracy. In Nairobi, ODM officials and Governor Johnson Sakaja led hundreds of Kenyans in a candlelight vigil at Uhuru Park.
The candlelight vigils were held in various towns across the country, including Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Nakuru, Machakos and Elgeyo Marakwet. In Eldoret, hundreds of ODM supporters took to the streets, disrupting traffic along major roads as they gathered to remember Raila. The supporters described him as a man of the people who played a significant role in Kenya's political transformation.
In Kakamega, residents held a remembrance procession from the ODM party headquarters in Lurambi through Kakamega Town before culminating in a candle-lighting ceremony at the Central Roundabout. The event brought together residents from across the county's 12 constituencies. They recalled Raila's role in the struggle for political freedoms and constitutional reforms that culminated in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
The candlelight events are part of a month-long programme of activities organised by the ODM party and the late leader's family. The programme will continue with a memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9, followed by family-led activities from October 10 to 15, culminating in a memorial service at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo. ODM will then hold a memorial rally in Garissa on October 17.
The programme will also include engagements at the Coast on October 18 and 19, activities in Kajiado on October 21 and events in Turkana from October 23 to 25. The programme will conclude with a final memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31. Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving treatment in India.
The vigils were led by ODM officials and local leaders, who urged the government to fulfil commitments made when the broad-based government was formed. The supporters also celebrated Raila's Pan-Africanism and contribution to democracy, social justice and national unity.
The memorial events aim to honour Raila's legacy and reflect on his impact on Kenya's politics and society. The events will provide an opportunity for Kenyans to share their memories of Raila and reflect on his contributions to the country's development.
Key points
- The candlelight vigils were held in various towns across Kenya to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death.
- The vigils were part of a month-long programme of activities organised by the ODM party and the late leader's family.
- Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving treatment in India.
