Thousands throng in Bondo to honour Raila's first death anniversary

• Many arrived at the venue as early as 6 am, with song and dance celebrating the former Prime Minister, as police officers remained on standby to usher the crowd into their designated areas.

The late Kenya's political heavyweight Raila Amollo Odinga.

Thousands of Kenyans who supported and admired the late Kenya's political premier Raila Odinga continue to stream in at Migwena grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to honour his first death anniversary.

Many arrived at the venue as early as 6 am, with song and dance celebrating the former Prime Minister, as police officers remained on standby to usher the crowd into their designated areas.

Odinga's family urged attendees to remain apolitical throughout the celebration, asserting that the political don was an astute pan-Africanist and encouraged unity among political parties.

His widow, Ida Odinga, and Siaya Governor James Orengo have called for peace and political restraint, urging leaders to keep the occasion focused on remembering his legacy.

Raila's close allies among African leaders are expected to attend alongside political leaders.

On Tuesday, Ida led an inspection of the preparations, calling on Kenyans to give Raila a fitting farewell and avoid turning the commemoration into a contest between political factions.

The planned celebrations will involve music and cultural activities, reflecting the traditions that have long defined gatherings at Migwena grounds which have held a special place in the family's history.

Chairman of the National Steering Committee for the anniversary celebrations Prof Adams Oloo said the grounds provided an appropriate setting for the event.

“It will be a celebration worthy of the man. Musicians from across the country and beyond will take to the stage to honour him in song, because Raila Odinga loved the people, and the people loved him back,” Oloo said.

On Tuesday, Ida led an inspection of the preparations, calling on Kenyans to give Raila a fitting farewell and avoid turning the commemoration into a contest between political factions.

The nation's political heavyweight breathed his last on October 15, 2025, aged 80, in India while receiving medical attention.