By Anderson Ojwang
The lessons of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) last year’s celebrations of the party at @20 could have forced the late Raila Amolo Odinga family to form a committee to handle his first anniversary.
The family, in a press statement, stated the anniversary was not a preserve for a particular organisation or political entity but Kenyans at large.
“This anniversary belongs neither to an individual nor to an institution. It belongs to the people whose lives Baba touched. As a family, our responsibility is to make sure they have their chance to remember him,” read the letter.
The family recognised Raila’s enigma, whose anniversary should include all his friends regardless of their political affiliations, race and tribe.
“We therefore want this first anniversary the people their moment with Raila – to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” read the statement.
The letter also said the family had formed a committee to be chaired by Prof Adams Oloo to coordinate commemorative activities during the week of 15th October 2026.
“The Committee is currently developing the coordination, inclusivity and a meaningful, unified commemoration. Anyone who wishes to participate in, support or organise any activity as part of the anniversary is kindly requested to do so through the committee,” read the statement.
The move by the family could halt the ODM’s earlier released plan for the anniversary, which was met by criticism from Kisumu Women Representative and Raila’s younger sister, Ruth Odinga.
Ms Odinga said the family decided to give direction to allow all parties to participate in the anniversary.
“The ODM @20 was hurried one and did not take into consideration the family mourning period and left out several Raila supporters,” she said.
She said Raila’s first anniversary was not an ODM affair but a people-driven moment and that is why they had formed a committee to drive the agenda.
Last week, Ms Odinga sparked a storm with her post on social media platforms, pointing fingers at vultures in the party planning for the anniversary.
Odinga wrote, “We are heading for 15th October and already vultures of ODM cups and tents are now planning- Raila was an enigma! Wacheni Upuzi!”
Cups and Tents
During the Linda Ground rallies, Ruth Odinga complained of money flowing into ODM that was used to hire tents and hotels, a new concept in the party.
“Where is the money used to fly choppers, procure big tents, and mobilize and brand crowds in ODM colors coming from, yet the same money cannot be sent to the ODM Party bank accounts? That only means one thing: control.
So they must be the ones controlling the show, where they decide who is ‘invited’ to the Linda Ground tents and what they say once they get there. Anything outside the script attracts immediate booing, as was the case with Suba North MP Hon. Millie Odhiambo at the Ciala Resort in Kisumu,” she said then.
Press statement
On Thursday, the ODM Central Committee, after its meeting, released a statement detailing the programme and events to mark Raila’s anniversary.
The ODM leadership christened the month of October as Mwezi wa Baba (Baba’s Month) commemoration.
The statement read in parts, **“Ladies and Gentlemen, October marks one year since the demise of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. It was a tearful moment; we were all heartbroken. God plucked the best flower from our midst.
The ODM party has dedicated the entire month of October to his memory,”**.
The party said, in recognition of Raila’s tireless contribution to the country’s democracy and his Pan-Africanism, the party was dedicating the month of October as MWEZI WA BABA with the following activities:
“2nd October 2026 – Candle lighting; Kenyans will be requested to light candles wherever they are, either in organised groups or individually, in remembrance of BABA. This candle-lighting will take place at 6:00 pm across the country,” read the statement.
On 9th October 2026, the statement said the party would hold a major Memorial rally in Kakamega Town, which would bring together supporters from all the counties of the Western Kenya region, namely Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
“From 10th to 15th of October 2026: family-led activities;
This will culminate in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo,” read the statement.
Itinerary
On 17th October 2026 – a memorial rally in Garissa Town.
This will bring together members and supporters from Northern Kenya counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit.
On 18th–19th of October 2026 – Memorial activities in the Coastal region.
On 21st October 2026 – Kajiado County memorial activities, 23rd to 25th October 2026 – Turkana County memorial activities and 31st of October 2026 – MWEZI WA BABA memorial rally in Nairobi County.
“We urge all our supporters to rededicate their commitment to BABA’S ideals,” read the statement.
