The one-year anniversary of Raila Odinga's passing has transformed into a political battleground, with leaders utilizing his legacy to bolster their 2027 presidential campaigns. Odinga, a prominent Kenyan politician and founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), died on October 15, 2025. His commemoration has sparked a series of political events, with various leaders attempting to associate themselves with his ideology and legacy.
The ODM party has organized a month-long series of events to honor Odinga, including rallies in Siaya, Kakamega, Garissa, Mombasa, Kajiado, Turkana, and Nairobi. While these events are billed as tributes to Odinga, they also serve to strengthen the party's stronghold and mobilize supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections. Additionally, the party aims to showcase the achievements of the coalition government between President William Ruto and ODM.
President Ruto, who collaborated with Odinga in the 2024 Gen-Z protests, is expected to attend the main commemorative event in Bondo. However, the anniversary has also sparked a battle for Odinga's political legacy. Nairobi's Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, held a separate candle-lighting ceremony at Jacaranda grounds, diverging from the ODM-led event at Uhuru Park.
The struggle for Odinga's political inheritance has emerged within his family. His daughter, Winnie Odinga, has been identified by some Luo community elders as a potential successor. Meanwhile, Odinga's mother, Ida, and sister, Rosemary, attended the event, but his son, Raila Odinga Junior, was noticeably absent.
Outside of the ODM party, other leaders are leveraging the commemoration to advance their own agendas. Senator Edwin Sifuna, who heads The Equitable Party (TEP), has emphasized the significance of October, given Odinga's passing during this month. Sifuna and other leaders from the Linda Mwananchi Movement are preparing to participate in the 2027 elections.
Governor of Siaya, James Orengo, is also utilizing this period to position himself for the 2027 elections, having announced his intention to run for president. Consequently, the anniversary of Odinga's passing has evolved into a platform for leaders to promote themselves, build influence, and claim his political legacy ahead of the August 2027 elections.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the commemoration of Raila Odinga's legacy has become a critical juncture for Kenyan politicians. The events surrounding his anniversary will likely continue to shape the country's political landscape in the lead-up to the elections.
Key points
- The commemoration of Raila Odinga's one-year anniversary has turned into a political campaign platform for the 2027 Kenyan general elections.
- Various leaders, including President William Ruto and Governor James Orengo, are using the events to promote their agendas and claim Odinga's legacy.
- The struggle for Odinga's political inheritance has emerged within his family, with his daughter Winnie being considered a potential successor.
