The family of late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for a political ceasefire ahead of the first anniversary of his death. East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga stated that the October 15 memorial should bring together people from different political parties, ethnic communities, and countries who shared different chapters of her father's life. The family invites Kenyans and leaders across the political divide to set aside their differences and honour Raila's memory.
Winnie Odinga emphasized that the family is not asking those attending the memorial to abandon their political beliefs but urged them to leave political rivalry outside the commemoration. The family wants the anniversary to remain a day of remembrance and celebration, warning political leaders against turning the occasion into a contest over crowds, popularity, or political influence.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was later buried at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, where the mausoleum dedicated to him and his father, Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, now stands. President William Ruto formally unveiled and dedicated Raila's mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi.
Winnie Odinga cited Raila's relationship with the late retired President Daniel arap Moi as an example of the late former Orange Democratic Movement party leader's ability to reconcile with political opponents despite a difficult history. Raila was detained without trial for nearly eight years following the 1982 attempted coup and became one of the prominent figures in Kenya's struggle for multiparty democracy.
The event meant to honour Raila should not become a source of anxiety for political leaders who may hold opposing views. Winnie said her father's experience offered a lesson in how Kenyans could deal with political and personal differences without allowing past disagreements to permanently define relationships.
The family-led memorial on October 15 will form part of a month-long programme marking Raila's first death anniversary. The main public commemoration is scheduled for Migwena Cultural Sports Ground in Bondo and is open to mourners from across the country and beyond.
Winnie Odinga stated that the family wants to celebrate Raila's memory with people from different political inclinations, tribes, and communities. The family encourages Kenyans to honour Raila's memory without surrendering their beliefs at the gate.
Key points
- Raila Odinga's family calls for a political ceasefire ahead of his first death anniversary.
- The family invites Kenyans and leaders across the political divide to honour Raila's memory.
- The October 15 memorial will form part of a month-long programme marking Raila's first death anniversary.
