The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has announced a month-long programme to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of its founder, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.The party has dedicated the entire month of October 2026 to honouring Raila, with supporters expected to participate in a series of activities planned across the country.In a statement issued on September 10, ODM said the programme, dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, will celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and his commitment to Pan-Africanism.“In recognition of his tireless contribution to our country's democracy and his Pan-Africanism, the party is dedicating the month of October as MWEZI WA BABA with the following activities,” ODM stated.The commemorations will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony, with Kenyans encouraged to participate individually or in organised groups.The candle-lighting exercise will take place at 6:00 pm, giving supporters across the country an opportunity to remember the former Prime Minister.On October 9, ODM will hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town, bringing together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia County.Family-led activities will then run from October 10 to October 15, culminating in the main memorial service at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.The party will move its commemorative programme to Northern Kenya on October 17, when a memorial rally will be held in Garissa Town.The Garissa event will bring together ODM members and supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties as part of the anniversary programme.Coastal Kenya will host memorial activities from October 18 to 19, before October 20, when Kenyans will observe Mashujaa Day.Raila Odinga died on 15 October 2025 in Kerala, India, aged 80. He was undergoing medical treatment when he collapsed during a morning walk.October 20 is also important for the ODM fraternity since President William Ruto named the former Prime Minister among the 242 Kenyans to receive ‘hero status’ for his role as a statesman, patriot and constitutional reformer who shaped Kenya's democratic journey and will be honored posthumously.ODM will continue the programme in Kajiado County on October 21, followed by three days of memorial activities in Turkana County from October 23 to 25.The month-long programme will conclude on October 31 with the Mwezi wa Baba memorial rally in Nairobi County, as ODM urges supporters to uphold Raila’s ideals.This commemoration adds to the growing list of items done to preserve the name of Raila Odinga, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in January 30 plans to bind and store local and international condolence messages at the National Archives, ensuring that future generations will be able to access and read them.In addition, the state is collaborating with the National Museums of Kenya and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on a memorial project at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo. The Ksh30 million initiative will see the establishment of a mausoleum and museum at the site, intended to serve as a lasting tribute to Odinga's legacy.
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