The family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced plans to lead the coordination of activities marking the first anniversary of his death, saying the commemoration will focus on ordinary Kenyans who stood by him throughout his political journey.
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, the family said the anniversary would be commemorated during the week of October 15.
To oversee the planned activities, the family has appointed a committee chaired by Professor Adams Oloo, who served for many years as Raila's political adviser.
"We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him," the family said in a joint statement.
"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 committee is currently developing the programme, which the family will announce in good time," they added.
The family maintained that Raila was a leader who belonged to the people and should not be treated as the property of an individual politician or institution.
It further called on individuals and organisations intending to participate in or organise activities related to the anniversary to coordinate their plans through the appointed committee.
"Anyone who wishes to participate in, support, or organise any activity as part of the anniversary commemoration is kindly requested to do so through the committee. This will help ensure proper coordination, inclusivity and a meaningful, unified commemoration," the statement further read.
The family's announcement comes separately from plans by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to dedicate the entire month of October 2026 to commemorating its founder and long-serving leader.
The party has announced a nationwide programme dubbed Mwezi wa Baba, through which supporters will take part in a series of activities celebrating Raila's contribution to Kenya's democracy and his Pan-Africanist ideals.
"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.
According to the party, the commemorations will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candlelighting ceremony, followed by rallies and other activities in various parts of the country throughout the month.
Despite the separate ODM programme, Raila's family stressed that the first anniversary should remain inclusive and should not be identified with any particular person or institution.
"There will be room for those who walked with him - from every community, every generation, every part of the country, and every chapter of his life. This anniversary belongs neither to an individual nor to an institution. It belongs to the people whose lives Baba touched," they said.
