Raila Odinga anniversary: Committee warns against fundraising in family’s name
The National Steering Committee coordinating the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death has warned individuals and groups against raising money in the name of the Odinga family or the committee. The warning was issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, as the family officially opened a month-long period of activities to commemorate Raila, […]
The National Steering Committee in charge of the first anniversary events for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced the commencement of a month-long remembrance period. Prof. Adams Oloo, the committee's chair, revealed this on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The committee seeks to unite Kenyans from all walks of life, encouraging them to commemorate Odinga's life and legacy through love and dedication to democracy, justice, and a united Kenya. The family has hinted that the anniversary should be a national occasion, bringing together people from diverse political and social backgrounds.
The committee has welcomed the candle-lighting ceremony planned by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Nairobi City County government. ODM has declared October as "Mwezi wa Baba" (Month of the Father) and organized a series of activities throughout the month. A nationwide candle-lighting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 2, starting at 6:00 pm EAT, primarily at Uhuru Park in Nairobi.
The official international candle-lighting ceremony, led by Odinga's widow, Mama Ida, is set for Wednesday, October 14, at 6:00 pm EAT. The event will be held at Odinga's resting place in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County. The committee invites people from across the world to participate in this ceremony, which will occur the day before Odinga's actual first anniversary on October 15.
The family-led commemorations are expected to be part of a broader anniversary program involving October 10 to 17. ODM has announced a month-long program, including memorial activities in various regions, culminating in a Nairobi event on October 31.
The National Steering Committee, formed to coordinate the commemorative activities, has emphasized the importance of reflecting on Odinga's ideals during his public life. The anniversary is scheduled to take place around October 15, the day Raila died in 2025 while receiving medical treatment in India at the age of 80.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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