Tension at Raila anniversary as crowd demands answers over Oburu’s absence

Bondo, Kenya, Oct 15 — The first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death saw thousands of mourners gathered at Migwena Grounds, where chants, angry shouts and interruptions disrupted the ceremony. The Anglican Church of Kenya led a church service to honor the former Prime Minister, whose passing marked the end of a political era in Kenya. However, the commemoration was marred by sections of the crowd demanding answers about the whereabouts of ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, who was absent alongside chairperson Gladys Wanga.

Ida Odinga, Raila's widow, sought to reassure mourners about Oburu's health, explaining that he was unwell but not seriously ill. She stated, "Dr Oburu is not feeling well, but he is not very sick. He is alive. The doctors who are looking after him have said that he should go slow and not come to a loud rally like this." Despite her reassurances, tensions remained as sections of the crowd questioned the programme and demanded explanations for Oburu's absence.

The Master of Ceremonies appealed for calm, urging attendees to remain composed and maintain order during the solemn occasion. Despite the appeals, murmurs and scattered shouts continued as some attendees sought answers about the party leader's absence. The interruptions unfolded against the backdrop of disagreements over ODM's leadership and political direction post-Raila's death.

Notably, Senator Edwin Sifuna and MP Babu Owino, who have called for a one-term leadership arrangement, were present, adding to the debate over the party's future and who would shape its direction.

Some attendees took issue with the prominence given to certain leaders during the proceedings, with complaints that first-term individuals seemed to dominate the program. This contributed to moments of disorder as groups of supporters moved around the grounds, and organizers struggled to maintain control and preserve focus on Raila's legacy.

Raila's widow urged mourners to respect the dignity of the occasion, warning against turning it into a political contest. Despite her efforts and reassurances about Oburu's health, the interruptions and tensions over the program threatened to overshadow the commemoration.