A candle-lighting ceremony will be held at Uhuru Park on October 2 to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The event, which will run from 3 pm to midnight, is part of a month-long tribute to Raila under the banner Mwezi wa Baba. Kenyans are expected to come together throughout October to remember Raila and reflect on his life and legacy. The ceremony was announced by Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o.
The Mwezi wa Baba activities will kick off with the candle-lighting ceremony at Uhuru Park on October 2. According to Jalang'o, the event will be followed by other activities planned across different parts of the country. The events will provide an opportunity for people who knew Raila, supported him, or were influenced by his political journey to come together in his memory. Raila died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, while undergoing medical treatment in India.
Raila served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and was the founding leader of the Orange Democratic Movement. He made five unsuccessful presidential bids, contesting the 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 elections. His death sparked a nationwide period of mourning, as leaders and members of the public paid tribute to his long political career. He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025.
In addition to the October programme announced by ODM, the Raila Odinga family is organising its own week-long national programme from October 10 to 17. The family-led commemorations are expected to draw people from political, religious, and social circles as they remember the former Prime Minister. The events will provide a platform for Kenyans to reflect on Raila's life and legacy.
Jalang'o announced that a larger gathering will be held at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31. The event is expected to bring together Raila's supporters and other Kenyans who wish to take part in the activities honouring the former Prime Minister. The nationwide candle-lighting ceremony on October 2 will be a major event in the month-long programme.
The October programme announced by ODM includes memorial activities planned in different counties before the final Nairobi gathering on October 31. The activities will provide an opportunity for Kenyans to pay tribute to Raila's life and legacy. The Mwezi wa Baba activities come as the country prepares for the first anniversary of Raila's death.
Jalang'o called on those interested in taking part to attend the planned events as the country marks one year since Raila's death. The events will provide a platform for people to come together and reflect on Raila's life and legacy. The candle-lighting ceremony at Uhuru Park on October 2 will be a major event in the month-long programme.
Key points
- The candle-lighting ceremony at Uhuru Park on October 2 will mark the beginning of a month-long tribute to Raila Odinga.
- The Mwezi wa Baba activities will include a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony and memorial activities planned in different counties.
- The Raila Odinga family is organising its own week-long national programme from October 10 to 17 to commemorate the former Prime Minister's life and legacy.
