The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party will on Friday launch a month-long series of events to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the passing of its founder, Raila Amolo Odinga. The celebrations, dubbed "Mwezi wa Baba", will begin with a candle-lighting ceremony across the country. The main event will take place at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, while other locations include Treasury Square in Mombasa, Kisumu Central Square, and the Kajiado County headquarters.
According to ODM National Chairman Gladys Wanga, the events aim to give Kenyans an opportunity to reflect on the life, leadership, and contribution of Raila Odinga, who passed away in India on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. The party has urged its supporters to use the month to recommit to the principles and vision left behind by Raila. The celebrations will also serve as a moment for the party to reflect on its future in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
The month-long celebrations will feature various events, including a major memorial service in Kakamega on October 9. Family events will take place between October 10 and 15, culminating in a main memorial service at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 15. Other locations that will host events include Garissa, Pwani, Kajiado, and Turkana, before the celebrations conclude with a major rally in Nairobi on October 31.
The ODM party has emphasized that the celebrations are not just about mourning the former Prime Minister but also about remembering the values he stood for. Raila Odinga was known for his fight for a new constitution, multi-party democracy, devolution, and broad citizen participation in governance. The party has urged its supporters to use the month to reflect on the country's progress and the challenges that lie ahead.
The celebrations will also provide an opportunity for the ODM party to reaffirm its commitment to Raila Odinga's vision and legacy. The party has been working to strengthen its structures and mobilize its supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections. The "Mwezi wa Baba" celebrations are seen as a crucial moment for the party to reconnect with its roots and reassert its relevance in Kenyan politics.
The ODM party has invited Kenyans from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations and pay tribute to Raila Odinga. The party has expressed its gratitude to the former Prime Minister for his tireless efforts to promote democracy and good governance in Kenya. The celebrations will provide a moment for Kenyans to come together and reflect on the impact of Raila Odinga's life and legacy.
As the country prepares to mark one year since Raila Odinga's passing, the ODM party has urged its supporters to remain committed to the principles of democracy and good governance. The party has emphasized the need for Kenyans to continue working towards a more just and equitable society, in line with Raila Odinga's vision and legacy.
Key points
- ODM to hold month-long celebrations to mark one year since Raila Odinga's death
- Events to include candle-lighting ceremony, memorial services, and rallies
- Celebrations aim to give Kenyans opportunity to reflect on Raila Odinga's life, leadership, and contribution
