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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the family of the late Raila Odinga have jointly unveiled a comprehensive, month-long nationwide itinerary to mark the first anniversary of the iconic leader’s passing.
The late former Prime Minister passed away on October 15, 2025, while undergoing medical treatment in India. To honor his monumental legacy, ODM has officially designated October 2026 as “Mwezi wa Baba“, rolling out extensive political and community engagements across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on Thursday, September 17, 2026, his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, also commissioned a national steering committee to coordinate the joint family and national tributes. The committee is chaired by political scientist Prof. Adams Oloo and deputized by Rarieda MP Dr. Otiende Amollo.
“This celebration does not belong to the committee; it belongs to the people,” Mama Ida emphasized, noting that the events will give millions of supporters a proper chance to honor the journey they shared with him.
The expansive commemorative calendar will progress through several regions:
- October 2: A nationwide candle-lighting ceremony at 6:00 PM to kick off the memorial month.
- October 9: A major regional memorial rally in Kakamega Town.
- October 10–15: The core family-led anniversary week, culminating in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 15.
- October 17–25: Regional rallies and legacy engagements moving across Garissa, the Coast region, Kajiado, and Turkana.
- October 31: A final grand “Mwezi wa Baba” memorial rally and concert at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
Parallel academic honors will also launch during the month, including the Kenya School of Government’s Regional Leadership Academy and the University of Nairobi‘s Centre for Democracy.
