Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga led a delegation of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leaders to Busia County to mark the first anniversary of the party's late leader, Raila Amolo Odinga. The visit was part of ODM's month-long commemorations, dubbed Mwezi Wa Baba, to celebrate Raila's contribution to Kenya's democracy and Pan-Africanism. The delegation included Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
During the Raila Odinga Memorial Tournament, also known as the Imwatok Super Cup, in Teso South, Wanga reaffirmed ODM's unity and political presence. She dismissed claims that the party had weakened following Raila's death, praising Peter Imwatok for organizing the tournament in Raila's honor. Wanga noted that sporting activities provide an opportunity to engage young people while keeping Raila's legacy alive.
The ODM leaders toured Funyula and Teso South constituencies as part of the Mwezi Wa Baba programme. They were hosted by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma and included other party officials such as Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed and former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong. The programme aims to bring together party members, supporters, and communities to reflect on Raila's contribution to Kenya's political history.
Wanga urged residents to remain united and continue supporting ODM, expressing confidence that the party would retain all its elective seats in Busia County. Her remarks came as ODM leaders continued engaging supporters across different regions during the commemorative month. The party's activities have been scheduled across several regions, including northern Kenya, the Coast region, Kajiado, and Turkana.
Wanga also defended ODM's participation in the broad-based government under President William Ruto. She argued that the arrangement was intended to promote equitable development across the country. The party's position on the partnership remains a key part of its public messaging as its leaders balance national cooperation with grassroots political mobilisation.
ODM designated October 2026 as Mwezi Wa Baba, with activities planned across several regions to commemorate Raila's life and political legacy. The programme began with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony on October 2, followed by a major memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9. Further activities have been scheduled before a concluding rally in Nairobi on October 31.
In Busia, the combination of political engagements and the Imwatok Super Cup has provided ODM leaders with an opportunity to honour Raila while addressing party unity, youth participation, and the party's continued presence in Western Kenya. The commemorations are intended to bring together party members, supporters, and communities while reflecting on Raila's contribution to the country's political history.
Key points
- ODM leaders visited Busia County to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death.
- Wanga reaffirmed ODM's unity and political presence, dismissing claims that the party had weakened following Raila's death.
- The party's activities have been scheduled across several regions to commemorate Raila's life and political legacy.
