The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has unveiled a month-long programme to mark the first anniversary of the death of its founder, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The party has set aside the entire month of October 2026 for commemorative activities in honour of Raila, with supporters expected to take part in events planned across different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on September 10, ODM said the programme, dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, would celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey 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 officially begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Kenyans will be encouraged to participate in the exercise either individually or through organised groups as they remember the former Prime Minister.
A major memorial rally will then be held in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together ODM supporters and members from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Family-led activities will follow from October 10 to October 15, culminating in the main memorial service at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
ODM will then take the commemorations to Northern Kenya, where a memorial rally is scheduled to take place in Garissa Town on October 17.
The event is expected to draw party members and supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
Memorial activities will also be held at the Coast between October 18 and October 19, ahead of the October 20 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The date is expected to hold additional significance for the ODM fraternity after President William Ruto named Raila among 242 Kenyans selected to receive ‘hero status’.
The former Prime Minister was recognised for his role as a statesman, patriot and constitutional reformer whose contribution helped shape Kenya's democratic journey. He will be honoured posthumously.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, at the age of 80. He was undergoing medical treatment when he reportedly collapsed during a morning walk.
After the Mashujaa Day celebrations, ODM will continue its Mwezi wa Baba programme with activities in Kajiado County on October 21.
The party will then move to Turkana County, where memorial activities are scheduled to run for three days between October 23 and October 25.
The month-long programme will culminate on October 31 with the Mwezi wa Baba memorial rally in Nairobi County, where ODM is expected to rally supporters around Raila’s ideals and legacy.
The planned commemorations add to a growing list of initiatives aimed at preserving the memory and legacy of the former Prime Minister.
On January 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to bind and preserve local and international condolence messages at the National Archives, allowing future generations to access and read the tributes.
Meanwhile, the government is also working 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 project will involve the construction of a mausoleum and museum at the site, creating a permanent tribute to Odinga and his enduring legacy.
