Kenyans from across the country are gathering in Bondo, Siaya County, today to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. The main memorial ceremony is taking place at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground, with President William Ruto expected to lead the national tribute.
Preparations at the venue were completed yesterday as family members, political leaders, friends and supporters began arriving. The area around Raila’s ancestral home has turned into a centre of activity ahead of the solemn occasion.
In the days leading up to the anniversary, the Odinga family repeatedly called for a political ceasefire. They urged leaders from all sides to set aside their differences and focus solely on honouring Raila’s memory.
Ida Odinga, the late leader’s widow, inspected the preparations at Migwena Grounds and stressed the purpose of the day. “The main reason we are here is to commemorate Baba. He belonged to many people, belonged to denominations, belonged to many parties, and let’s give him a good sign-off,” she said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo reinforced the open invitation, stating that the event is for all Kenyans. “Everybody is welcome on the 15th to be here and be part of the congregation that will help us remember our son in his true greatness and glory.”
Speaking on Citizen TV, Ida Odinga reflected on the limited time the family had to mourn last year. Raila’s will required that he be interred within 72 hours of his death. “This anniversary gives us, as a family, and the many people who associated with him, an opportunity to mourn him in our own way,” she said.
She added that the family continues to receive strong support and that the day belongs to everyone. “As we celebrate Raila’s first anniversary, everybody is welcome. We cannot discriminate and say we only want this ethnic group or this political party because Raila had friends in Kenya from all ethnic groups.”
The commemorations form part of a three-day programme that began on October 13. On the evening of October 14, Ida Odinga led an international candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Raila’s final resting place. Kenyans at home and abroad were invited to light candles at the same time.
Earlier activities included an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu that focused on Raila’s calls for unity, democracy and social cohesion.
The mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, which also holds the remains of Raila’s father, Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was formally unveiled and dedicated by President Ruto on October 7. The Kenya Defence Forces oversaw its construction.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after suffering a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India. He remained one of Kenya’s most influential political figures for decades and played a central role in the struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.
Today’s gathering at Migwena Grounds is expected to bring together family, leaders from government and opposition, religious figures and ordinary citizens. The family has insisted the occasion should remain a day of remembrance and celebration rather than a political contest.
One year on, the nation pauses to honour the man millions simply called Baba.
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