East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has appealed for a political ceasefire as Kenya prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of her father's death. Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister, passed away on October 15, 2025. Winnie made the call during the handover and dedication of Raila's mausoleum at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 7, 2026. She urged leaders and citizens to set aside partisan rivalries and focus on honoring her father's legacy.
Winnie Odinga emphasized that her father's influence extended far beyond political boundaries. She invited guests from diverse political affiliations, communities, and nations to the upcoming event. Winnie stated that individuals with different political convictions are welcome, and nobody is being asked to surrender their beliefs at the gate. As his family, they call for a political ceasefire in his honor. This appeal comes amid rising tensions and competing political factions attempting to lay claim to Raila's legacy and the leadership of his long-standing movement.
Winnie specifically cautioned politicians and their supporters against transforming the main anniversary event, scheduled for October 15, 2026, into a partisan battlefield. She urged them to let the day be a celebration of remembrance, not a competition over who owns the crowd or receives the loudest cheers. Winnie's statement aims to promote unity and respect for her father's legacy. Her father, Raila Odinga, was a significant figure in Kenyan politics, and his death has left a void in the country's political landscape.
Winnie also paid tribute to the millions of ordinary Kenyans who stood by her father through decades of political struggles. She acknowledged that many of these individuals had no titles, escorts, or access to the high table. They stood in the rain, traveled far, prayed for him, and believed that their country could be better. Winnie invited these grassroots supporters to bring their songs, dances, poems, and memories to the memorial, emphasizing that they played a crucial role in her father's life and legacy.
Reflecting on her personal grief, Winnie concluded with a call to uphold the democratic ideals her father fought for. She stated that if freedom has a price, Kenyans should respect those who paid it. Winnie's message resonated with the crowd, who came to pay their respects to Raila Odinga. The event was attended by guests from diverse backgrounds, who came to honor the former Prime Minister's legacy. Winnie's leadership and commitment to her father's ideals were evident throughout the ceremony.
The construction of Raila's mausoleum is a testament to his enduring legacy in Kenyan politics. The mausoleum, located at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, will serve as a final resting place for the former Prime Minister. Winnie's call for a political ceasefire has been met with a positive response from various stakeholders, who are eager to promote unity and respect for Raila's legacy. The October 15 memorial event is expected to draw a large crowd, with many Kenyans coming to pay their respects to the former Prime Minister.
As Kenya prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death, Winnie's message of unity and respect has set the tone for the celebrations. The event will not only be a tribute to Raila's legacy but also a reflection of his impact on Kenyan politics. With the country's political landscape still reeling from his death, Winnie's call for a political ceasefire is a timely reminder of the need for unity and respect in the face of diversity.
Key points
- Winnie Odinga calls for a political ceasefire ahead of Raila's first death anniversary.
- The event aims to promote unity and respect for Raila's legacy.
- Winnie pays tribute to grassroots supporters who stood by her father through decades of political struggles.
