Raila Odinga’s family sets out plans for first anniversary with focus on his supporters

The first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be marked with a programme organised by his family, with the focus placed on the ordinary Kenyans who supported and shared his political journey.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, September 13, the family said the commemoration would take place during the week of October 15.

It also announced the formation of a committee chaired by Professor Adams Oloo, who served for many years as a political adviser to Raila.

The committee will be responsible for coordinating activities planned to honour the former prime minister.

The family said details of the programme would be announced once preparations are complete.

The family said the anniversary should give Kenyans an opportunity to remember, mourn and celebrate Raila while reflecting on the journey they shared with him.

“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” the family said.

It also stressed that Raila should be remembered as a leader who belonged to the people and not as the property of one politician, political party or institution.

The family further asked individuals and groups planning to organise activities linked to the anniversary to work through the committee. It said the approach would help ensure that the events are properly coordinated and allow people from different communities and generations to take part.

“There will be room for those who walked with him – from every community, every generation, every part of the country and every chapter of his life,” the family stated.

The announcement comes as the Orange Democratic Movement separately prepares a month-long programme to honour its founder and long-serving leader.

ODM announced on September 10 that it would dedicate the entire month of October 2026 to Raila under a programme dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba”. The party said the activities would recognise his contribution to Kenya’s democracy and his Pan-Africanist ideals.

According to the party, the programme will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candlelighting ceremony.

Other activities, including rallies in different parts of the country, are expected to continue throughout October.

The separate plans mean Raila’s first anniversary will be marked through both family-led and party-organised activities.

However, his family has made it clear that its own commemoration should remain inclusive and centred on the people who supported him throughout his long political career.

The family said the anniversary belongs to the people whose lives Raila touched and should not be associated with any individual or institution.