Thousands of Kenyans from across the country gathered in various towns on Friday evening to mark the start of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga's first anniversary. The gatherings, which took place in Kisumu, Kakamega, Nairobi, Migori, Homa Bay, and Bondo town, were filled with emotional pain and nostalgia as people reminisced about the life and times of Raila. The events, dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, marked the beginning of a month-long commemoration of the late leader's life.
In Kisumu, crowds gathered at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sportsground, carrying candles and chanting Raila's name, with some residents shedding tears. Several roads in the town had lines of candles placed by residents, marking the beginning of what they described as a moment in history. Although the official candle lighting ceremony was to be done by Raila's family, residents turned out to show support for the man, the legend, and an icon that many believe has left a permanent legacy in the country's political scene and governance.
In Migori, Governor Ochilo Ayacko led thousands of residents in a candle-lit vigil to mark the first anniversary of Raila's death. The vigil, held at the historic Posta Grounds, saw the venue officially renamed to Raila Amollo Odinga Grounds in honour of the late ODM party leader. The grounds were filled with flickering candles, chants of "Tinga! Tinga!", "Baba", and "Jowi", and ODM regalia, as mourners, leaders, boda boda riders, and market traders sang liberation songs associated with Raila's decades-long struggle for democracy.
Governor Ayacko, who was joined by county executives, MCAs, ODM branch officials, and family representatives, said that Migori owed a debt of gratitude to Raila. He renamed Posta Grounds to Raila Amollo Odinga Grounds, a move that was supported by Migori residents. Ayacko added that the ground was where Raila always addressed them when he came to Migori and where he stood for justice.
ODM leaders, including Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo and Chairperson Gladys Wanga, used the occasion to call for unity within the party in honour of the late leader. Omanyo urged ODM members to preserve Raila's legacy by remaining loyal to the party, while Wanga remembered Raila as a leader who dedicated himself to the country and played a significant role in the push for devolution and shaping Kenya into what it is today.
In Western Kenya, ODM leaders called for unity and renewed commitment to the party's democratic ideals as they marked the first anniversary of Raila's death. Kakamega Governor and ODM county chairman Fernandes Barasa said the party must remain faithful to Raila's political legacy, warning that internal divisions and personal interests could undermine the unity he fought to build.
As Kenyans continue to mark the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death, they are reflecting on his legacy and the impact he had on the country's politics and governance. While some have expressed sadness that some of the gains Raila made for the country have been rolled back, many believe that he is still watching over them and that his ideals of peaceful democracy and social justice will continue to inspire future generations.
Key points
- Thousands of Kenyans gathered in various towns to mark the start of Raila Odinga's first anniversary with candle-lit vigils and tributes to the late ODM leader.
- ODM leaders called for unity within the party and urged members to preserve Raila's legacy and remain loyal to the party.
- The late Raila Odinga is remembered as a leader who dedicated himself to the country and played a significant role in shaping Kenya's politics and governance.
