A fresh twist has emerged in preparations for the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga after his family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appeared to differ over how commemorative activities should be coordinated.
The Raila Odinga family on September 10 announced the formation of a committee to oversee activities marking the first anniversary of the veteran politician’s death and urged all individuals and groups planning events to work through the committee.
In a statement signed on behalf of the family, the Odingas said the committee, chaired by political scientist Prof. Adams Oloo, would coordinate commemorative activities during the week of October 15.
The family said the anniversary would give Kenyans an opportunity to celebrate Raila’s life, values and contribution to the country, adding that many of his supporters had not found closure following his death.
“To that end, the family has constituted a committee chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo to coordinate commemorative activities during the week of the 15th,” the statement said.
The family further urged anyone wishing to participate in, support, or organize anniversary events to do so through the committee, saying it would announce the program later.
ODM, Raila Odinga Family Differ
ODM has also unveiled a month-long program dubbed Mwezi wa Baba to honor the party founder.
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According to the program, activities will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony and continue throughout the month with memorial rallies, environmental activities, and community events in different parts of the country.
Notably, the ODM program includes family-led activities between October 10 and October 15, culminating in a memorial service at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
The program also states that the party has dedicated the entire month of October to Raila’s memory, recognizing his role in Kenya’s democratic journey and Pan-Africanism.
However, Ruth Odinga has publicly raised concerns over the preparations.
In a social media post on September 11, she questioned reports of anniversary plans and the apparent 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 posted.
Her remarks have put her at odds with the ongoing arrangements being spearheaded through the family committee and ODM structures.
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The developments suggest that while ODM and the official family committee are moving ahead with plans for the anniversary, some members of the wider Odinga family are uncomfortable with how the events are being organized.
Mwezi wa Baba Plans
ODM’s Mwezi wa Baba plans will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting event, where Kenyans will be encouraged to light candles in remembrance of Raila from 6 pm.
A major memorial rally bringing together supporters from the Western region is scheduled for Kakamega Town on October 9.
Between October 10 and October 15, the family will lead commemorative activities culminating in the main memorial service at Kango Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
The activities will then move to Garissa on October 17 for a memorial rally bringing together supporters from northern Kenya, followed by memorial events in the Coast region on October 18 and 19.
Other planned activities include Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, memorial events in Kajiado County on October 21, and memorial events in Turkana County between October 23 and 25.
The month-long program will culminate in a grand Mwezi wa Baba memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31.
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