The National Steering Committee coordinating the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga’s death has warned individuals against using his name to solicit funds from the public.
Committee chairperson Prof Adams Oloo said the committee had received information that unscrupulous individuals were taking advantage of the anniversary month to raise money in the name of the Odinga family or the memorial committee.
Oloo urged those involved to desist from the practice, saying official activities marking Raila’s life are being coordinated through the family-appointed steering committee.
The warning comes as preparations for a series of events to honour the former Prime Minister and reflect on his contribution to Kenya’s national life get underway.
The family constituted the steering committee in September, with Oloo as chairperson, to coordinate the programme. It brings together representatives from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Odinga family.
Oloo said the activities will culminate on October 15 at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, marking one year since Raila died while receiving medical treatment in India. He was 80.
The programme will include candle-lighting ceremonies, sporting activities and lecture sessions, among other events intended to reflect the different ways Raila influenced Kenya’s national life.
The organisers have invited Kenyans from across the country and different backgrounds to take part in the activities, with the family previously describing the occasion as a national and people-centred commemoration.
The family-led programme is scheduled around October 10 to 17, while the Orange Democratic Movement is separately conducting its month-long “Mwezi wa Baba” programme.
ODM has scheduled a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony for October 2, alongside other memorial activities in different parts of the country.
The steering committee’s warning comes as preparations gather pace, with the organisers seeking to distinguish officially coordinated activities from unauthorised initiatives using Raila’s name.
The October 15 gathering at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi will provide the main platform for the family-led programme as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death and reflect on his political and public life.
