By the 254.ke Newsroom.
The first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death is being marked with a three-day programme from Tuesday, October 13, to Thursday, October 15, 2026: a Kisumu conclave on Day 1, a candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo at 6pm on Wednesday, and the main memorial at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo from 7am on Thursday. The former prime minister died in Kochi, India, on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
What is the Raila Odinga anniversary programme?
The Raila Odinga Memorial Anniversary Committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, is running the events. In a statement dated October 12, Oloo said: “This is not a week of mourning alone. It is a week of gratitude.”
| Date | Event | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Oct 13 | Intergenerational conclave, blood drive | Ofafa Memorial Hall, Kisumu | Daytime |
| Wed, Oct 14 | International candle-lighting ceremony | Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County | 6pm |
| Thu, Oct 15 | Main memorial anniversary | Migwena Cultural Grounds, Bondo | From 7am |
What happens on each day?
Day 1: Kisumu conclave
The opening session brings together the Luo Council of Elders, youth, women and religious leaders. Discussion centres on Raila’s call for dialogue between generations and on peace, tolerance and public participation since his death. Young people will perform poetry and music about his struggles and legacy, and a blood donation drive will be held in his honour.
Day 2: Candle-lighting at Kang’o ka Jaramogi
Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, will lead the ceremony at 6pm. The committee wants Kenyans to light candles at the same time in homes, churches and mosques, and has invited diaspora gatherings in cities such as London and Lagos to join.
Day 3: Main memorial at Migwena
The family, community representatives, political leaders, invited guests and the public are expected from 7am. Musicians from Kenya and abroad will perform tributes. Reports say President William Ruto and former president Uhuru Kenyatta are both due to attend, which has forced organisers to adjust seating and protocol.
Why is the family asking for a political ceasefire?
Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly MP, appealed for a truce at the dedication of his mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 7. “We call for a political ceasefire in his honour,” she said, adding that the memorial should not become a “political showground”. She also asked that ordinary supporters without titles be given a prominent place.
The appeal comes with the 2027 election season building and with reported tensions between Ruto and Uhuru. An ODM MP quoted by Eastleigh Voice said: “We do not expect any contests on who helped Raila and who did not help him.”
What did Ruto say at the mausoleum dedication?
Ruto described Raila as a fighter who knew when to step aside for national unity, and defended the Broad-Based Government as “a commitment to Kenya”. The five-sided mausoleum stands beside that of Raila’s father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Ruto said its shape recalls the 2007 ODM Pentagon and represents unity. A Raila Memorial Library Museum and Research Centre is planned as the next phase. ODM leader Oburu Oginga did not attend, as he is recovering from treatment; his son Jaoko Oburu read his message.
For earlier coverage of the Ruto-Raila partnership, see Nyanza Backs Ruto-Raila Deal and Ruto’s Sh700bn Nyanza Tour: Every Project, County by County.
FAQ
When is the Raila Odinga first anniversary? October 15, 2026. He died on October 15, 2025, and was buried at Kang’o ka Jaramogi four days later.
Where is the main memorial? Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, starting at 7am.
Who leads the candle-lighting? Ida Odinga, at 6pm on Wednesday, October 14, at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
Can I take part from outside Kenya? Yes. The committee has invited supporters worldwide to light candles at 6pm Kenya time on October 14.
Is there a public holiday? Coverage of the programme as of October 13, 2026 does not mention one.
Sources: The Star, The Standard, Eastleigh Voice.
