Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's family has requested a political truce ahead of his first anniversary, appealing to leaders to make October 15 a day of remembrance rather than political rivalry. Raila's daughter, Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly MP, made the appeal during the dedication of his mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The family invited people of different political inclinations, communities, and countries to honour Raila.
Winnie Odinga stated that the family did not want the occasion to turn into a contest over political influence, urging guests to respect each other's political convictions. She emphasized that the October 15 memorial should not become a platform for political competition or attacks between rival camps. The memorial will be the climax of a month-long programme to mark Raila's first anniversary, including regional commemorative events and a main memorial service.
Mama Ida Odinga, Raila's widow, reflected on her husband's long political relationship with President William Ruto, recalling their moments of cooperation and dialogue. She told Ruto that he and Raila competed fiercely in politics but also found ways to work together when the country required it. Mama Ida noted that Raila's political opponents did not necessarily remain enemies, saying he had no permanent enemies.
President William Ruto defended the Broad-Based Government, which brought members of Raila's ODM party into his administration, saying it was a commitment to Kenya rather than a deal for political power. He recalled Raila's remarks at the final ODM Parliamentary Group meeting he attended, emphasizing the importance of putting national unity ahead of political interests. Ruto described Raila as a fighter who pushed hard to extend the boundaries of democracy.
The mausoleum, a five-sided structure, stands beside that of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila's father and Kenya's first Vice-President. Ruto said the structure recalls the ODM Pentagon of 2007 and represents unity. The next phase of the memorial will include the Raila Memorial Library Museum and Research Centre. Raila died in Kochi, India, on October 15, 2025, aged 80, and was buried at Kang'o ka Jaramogi four days later.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother and Siaya Senator, was absent from the ceremony due to health reasons, but his son Jaoko Oburu read a message on his behalf. Raila Odinga Junior conveyed Oburu's apology to guests. Oburu had handed the mausoleum site to the Kenya Defence Forces on July 20 ahead of its construction.
The family has invited Kenyans to attend the October 15 memorial with their songs, dances, poems, and memories. Winnie Odinga urged ordinary supporters to be given a prominent place in remembering Raila, saying many had stood by him without political titles or access to leaders. The October 15 memorial is expected to bring together Kenyans from different political and social backgrounds.
Key points
- Raila Odinga's family calls for a political ceasefire on October 15.
- The family urges leaders to make the day a remembrance rather than rivalry.
- President William Ruto and Mama Ida Odinga reflected on Raila's political relationships and legacy.
