Raila Remembrance Month Begins as Family Announces October 14 Tribute

The National Steering Committee coordinating the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death has officially launched a month-long period of remembrance. In a statement, the family urged Kenyans and people across the world to honour Odinga’s life and legacy.

On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the committee—chaired by Prof Adams Oloo—released the update as preparations continued for a set of events marking one year since Raila’s death.

The committee said the commemorations aim to unite Kenyans across counties, communities, faiths, and political persuasions.

“The family today officially opens the month of celebrations marking the first anniversary of Baba’s passing,” Prof Oloo said.

The committee also invited Kenyans to remember Raila with love and to renew their commitment to the ideals he championed, including democracy, justice, and a united Kenya. It further addressed plans for a candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for Friday, October 2.

In its update, the committee said it had received information about an event being organised by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) together with the Nairobi City County government, and it welcomed the initiative. It added that it “gladly gives its blessings” to the planned candle-lighting event.

ODM has announced a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony for Friday at 6:00 pm, encouraging Kenyans both at home and abroad to take part. The party has designated October as “Mwezi wa Baba” and plans to roll out a series of activities throughout the month.

In Nairobi, ODM designated Uhuru Park as the main venue for the candle-lighting gathering.

“The national steering committee has been notified of an intended candle-lighting event to be held by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Nairobi City County government. We welcome this kind gesture of remembrance, and the committee gladly gives its blessings to the planned event,” Prof. Oloo said.

The committee also announced the date for what it described as the official international candle-lighting ceremony. It will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm East Africa Time, and it will be led by Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga.

The ceremony will be held at Raila’s resting place at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

The committee invited individuals, institutions, and organizations from around the world to take part in the ceremony.

“The official international candle-lighting will be led by Mama Ida Odinga from 6:00 pm EAT at his resting place, Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo. We warmly invite everyone and all institutions and organisations across the world to join us,” the committee said.

The international candle-lighting will take place one day before the first anniversary of Raila’s death on October 15. The family-led commemorations are expected to align with a wider anniversary programme planned around the same date. Earlier announcements indicated that the main family events would run from October 10 to 17.

Separately, ODM has unveiled a month-long programme that starts with Friday’s candle-lighting ceremony and includes memorial activities across several regions, before ending with an event in Nairobi on October 31. The family-backed committee, however, has taken a broader approach, urging Kenyans from different political, religious, and community backgrounds to participate throughout the period.

The committee said the month offers an opportunity to remember Raila and reflect on the ideals he promoted during his public life. Organisers expect the preparations to culminate around October 15, when Kenya will mark one year since the death of the former Prime Minister.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was 80. Organizers say the anniversary programme should bring together family members, political leaders, civil society groups, institutions, and ordinary Kenyans determined to honour his legacy.

The post Raila Remembrance Month Begins as Family Announces October 14 Tribute appeared first on Nairobi Wire.