Raila Odinga’s Family Takes Charge of First Death Anniversary Plans, Reveals How ‘Baba’ Will Be Honoured

The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced plans to coordinate the first anniversary of his death, saying the commemoration will give ordinary Kenyans an opportunity to remember, mourn and celebrate the life of the veteran politician.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, the family said the anniversary activities would be held during the week of October 15.

To oversee the preparations, the family has appointed a committee chaired by Professor Adams Oloo, who served for many years as a political adviser to the former prime minister.

The committee is expected to coordinate the various activities planned for the anniversary, with the family saying a detailed programme would be released at a later date.

The family said the occasion should primarily belong to the people who supported and walked with Raila throughout his political journey.

“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” the family stated.

The family further emphasised that Raila should not be viewed as the property of any particular politician, political party or institution, arguing that his legacy belonged to the millions of people whose lives he touched.

It also called on individuals and organisations wishing to participate in, support or organise activities related to the anniversary to coordinate through the appointed committee.

According to the family, the arrangement is intended to ensure that the commemorations remain well coordinated, inclusive and meaningful.

The announcement comes separately from plans by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to dedicate the entire month of October 2026 to honouring its founder and long-serving leader.

ODM has dubbed its programme “Mwezi wa Baba”, through which the party plans to celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and his commitment to Pan-Africanism.

The party said its activities would begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony, followed by various events and rallies in different parts of the country throughout the month.

However, Raila’s family made it clear that the first anniversary should not be associated exclusively with any individual or institution.

The family said people from every community, generation and part of the country who shared different chapters of Raila’s life would have an opportunity to participate.

The family reiterated that the anniversary belongs to the people whose lives were touched by the late former prime minister and not to a particular political figure or organisation.