The National Steering Committee, coordinating the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death, has launched a month-long remembrance period. On October 1, 2026, the committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, announced plans to honor Odinga's life and legacy. The committee urged Kenyans and people worldwide to participate in the commemorations, aiming to unite citizens across counties, communities, faiths, and political persuasions.
The family-led committee has invited Kenyans to remember Raila with love and renew their commitment to the ideals he championed, including democracy, justice, and a united Kenya. A candle-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 2, 2026. The committee welcomed an event organized by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Nairobi City County government, also planned for October 2.
ODM has announced a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony for October 2 at 6:00 pm, encouraging Kenyans at home and abroad to participate. The party has designated October as "Mwezi wa Baba" and plans to roll out activities throughout the month. In Nairobi, Uhuru Park is the main venue for the candle-lighting gathering.
The committee announced the official international candle-lighting ceremony will take place on October 14, 2026, at 6:00 pm East Africa Time, led by Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga. The ceremony will be held at Raila's resting place, Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The committee invited individuals, institutions, and organizations worldwide to participate.
The international candle-lighting ceremony will occur one day before the first anniversary of Raila's death on October 15, 2026. The family-led commemorations will align with a wider anniversary program planned around the same date. Earlier announcements indicated the main family events would run from October 10 to 17.
ODM has unveiled a month-long program starting with the candle-lighting ceremony, including memorial activities across regions, ending with an event in Nairobi on October 31. The committee, however, has taken a broader approach, urging Kenyans from different backgrounds to participate throughout the period.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India, at the age of 80. Organizers expect the preparations to culminate around October 15, when Kenya will mark one year since his death. The anniversary program aims to bring together family members, political leaders, civil society groups, institutions, and ordinary Kenyans to honor his legacy.
Key points
- The National Steering Committee has launched a month-long remembrance period for Raila Odinga, with various events planned across Kenya.
- A nationwide candle-lighting ceremony is scheduled for October 2, 2026, with a main event at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
- The official international candle-lighting ceremony will take place on October 14, 2026, at Raila's resting place in Bondo, Siaya County.
