Ambassador Mama Ida Odinga has declared that all activities planned in October to celebrate and commemorate ODM leader Raila Odinga will be conducted under an official framework coordinated by a committee appointed for the occasion.
The decision came after a consultative meeting between Mama Ida, the Executive Director of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and the party’s Vice Chairman on September 30, to discuss arrangements for commemorating Raila’s life and legacy.
According to the meeting resolutions, October will be observed as a month of celebration and remembrance in honor of Raila, with all activities expected to follow the guidelines and coordination established by the committee.
The meeting reaffirmed Mama Ida’s earlier communication that the commemorative program would run throughout the month and that activities would be undertaken with due regard to the dignity and spirit of the occasion.
The resolutions also addressed plans for candle-lighting ceremonies proposed as part of the commemorative program.
Raila’s Official Candle-Lighting Ceremony
The meeting noted that the Nairobi County Government and the ODM Party were organizing a candle-lighting ceremony and agreed that the initiative could proceed as planned.
The meeting also agreed that the official candle-lighting ceremony led by Raila’s family will take place on October 14 at 6 p.m. at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
According to the announcement, Mama Ida will lead the event and light the first candle to mark the start of the official family-led commemoration.
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Friends, supporters and well-wishers who wish to participate in the event may do so from their respective locations in Kenya and around the world.
The meeting also discussed communication regarding the commemorative program and agreed on a framework for disseminating information to the public.
According to the resolutions, the committee chairman has been mandated to issue official communication on the agreed program through a press briefing.
The committee will also provide guidance where necessary during the commemorative period to ensure activities remain coordinated under the agreed structure.
Clarity at Last
The latest consultative meeting between Mama Ida Odinga and the ODM Vice Chairman comes against the backdrop of separate anniversary programs announced by the Raila family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to mark one year since the former Prime Minister’s death.
Earlier, the Odinga family unveiled a national steering committee chaired by Prof Adams Oloo to coordinate activities marking the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death.
The family said individuals, groups and institutions planning commemorative events should work through the committee, which was tasked with coordinating the official program.
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At the same time, ODM announced a separate month-long program dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba”, featuring nationwide candle-lighting ceremonies, memorial rallies and other activities across the country throughout October.
The party dedicated the entire month to the memory of its founder and outlined events in several regions ahead of the October 15 anniversary
Questions over the coordination of the commemorations emerged after some members of the Odinga family publicly expressed concern about aspects of the preparations.
In a social media post on September 11, Ruth Odinga questioned reports surrounding the anniversary arrangements and the mobilization of party-branded materials ahead of the commemoration.
“We are heading for 15th October, and already vultures of ODM cups and tents are now planning to say Raila was an enigma. Stop the nonsense,” Ruth Odinga wrote.
Several institutions have already announced initiatives linked to Raila’s memory.
Plans have already been announced for initiatives including the Raila Odinga Center for Democracy and the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, projects intended to preserve and advance his legacy beyond the anniversary period.
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