Mombasa County residents will receive free medical services across all county healthcare facilities throughout October, following an executive directive from Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. This initiative marks the launch of a month-long commemoration organized by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to honor the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Governor Abdulswamad announced the directive on Friday, October 2, at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa.
The directive includes the waiver of medical fees for all patients seeking care at county hospitals during October. Additionally, all patients currently admitted to county hospitals will be discharged without requiring them to settle outstanding bills. The governor also instructed that the bodies of deceased individuals currently held in county mortuaries be released to their respective families free of charge.
Governor Abdulswamad stated that the policy is a tangible way to remember Raila's legacy, saying "Uongozi ni vitendo si maneno." He added that from that moment on, he was issuing an order as the Governor of Mombasa, a son of ODM, to exempt all patients in county hospitals from paying medical fees. The governor's directive coincided with ODM's official rollout of "Mwezi wa Baba," a month-long national program designed to celebrate Raila's contributions to Kenya's political landscape and public service.
Raila Odinga Junior, the late leader's son, joined Governor Abdulswamad and other ODM figures and supporters in Mombasa for a solemn candle-lighting ceremony at Treasury Square. Similar events took place across key regional hubs, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Machakos, Kisii, and Eldoret. In Nairobi, citizens gathered at Uhuru Park, assembling displays of candles, flowers, and portraits of the late leader to pay their respects during the evening ceremony.
The commemorative activities scheduled throughout October lead up to the first anniversary of Raila's passing on October 15. Key upcoming events include a major political rally in Kakamega on October 9, as well as a national concert and legacy festival set for October 31 in Nairobi. Alongside ODM's scheduled events, the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee, chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo, is overseeing a family-led remembrance track.
The family-led remembrance track will feature an international candle-lighting ceremony on October 14 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo. Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India. He was subsequently laid to rest at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The ODM party and the government have been paying tribute to Raila Odinga's legacy, with various events and programs planned throughout the country. The free healthcare services in Mombasa are part of a broader effort to honor the late leader's contributions to Kenya's development.
Key points
- Mombasa County residents to access free medical services throughout October
- Governor Abdulswamad Nassir waives medical fees to commemorate Raila Odinga
- ODM launches "Mwezi wa Baba" to celebrate Raila's contributions to Kenya
