Kenyans are set to honour the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga through three days of commemorative activities running from October 13 to 15, 2026, marking the first anniversary of his death.
The Raila Odinga Memorial Anniversary Committee has unveiled a programme bringing together family members, community elders, political leaders, religious representatives, young people and members of the public to celebrate the life of one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.
According to a press statement issued on Monday by the committee’s chairman, Prof. Adams Oloo, the anniversary will focus on remembrance, reflection, unity and a renewed commitment to the ideals that defined Odinga’s decades of public service.
Overview of the memorial activities
The programme will begin on Tuesday, October 13, with an intergenerational conclave at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu, bringing together the Luo Council of Elders, youth, women and religious leaders.
The gathering will provide a platform for elders and young people to reflect on Odinga’s call for intergenerational dialogue and discuss pressing social, political and economic issues facing the country.
The Kisumu event will also feature poetry and musical performances by young people from the region, highlighting the struggles, aspirations and legacy of the late opposition leader. A blood donation exercise will also be conducted in a gesture the committee says reflects Odinga’s spirit of selflessness.
Discussions are expected to examine Kenya’s post-Odinga transition, with particular emphasis on peace, tolerance, dialogue and public participation. The committee says beginning the anniversary activities in Kisumu is fitting given Odinga’s close ties to the community and his contribution to national development.
On Wednesday, October 14, Kenyans and friends of Odinga across the world will be invited to participate in an international candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o, beginning at 6pm.
Candle-lighting ceremony details
The ceremony will be led by Ida Odinga, with the committee calling on people to light candles in their homes, churches, mosques and diaspora gatherings in a collective show of remembrance.
The initiative is expected to bring together participants from different parts of the world, with the committee envisioning a shared moment of reflection that transcends geographical boundaries. The candle-lighting event is intended to celebrate Odinga’s influence beyond Kenya and provide an opportunity for supporters to reflect on his contribution to public life.
The three-day programme will culminate on Thursday, October 15, with the main memorial anniversary at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, beginning at 7am.
Main memorial event highlights
The event is expected to attract family members, community representatives, leaders, invited guests and members of the public for a day of remembrance and celebration.
Musicians from Kenya and beyond will perform in honour of Odinga, whose long political career and close connection with ordinary citizens earned him a significant following across the country.
Beyond the performances, the gathering will offer participants an opportunity to reflect on his life journey and recommit themselves to the values and ideals associated with his years of public service.
The anniversary committee has urged Kenyans, media organisations and community groups to participate in the three-day programme with dignity, unity and respect. It has also appealed to media houses to provide extensive coverage to ensure people across all counties and members of the international community can follow the commemorations.
Participants have been urged to observe the programme peacefully as the country reflects on Odinga’s contribution to national affairs.
In its statement, the committee said the anniversary should go beyond mourning to celebrate a life dedicated to public service and inspire continued reflection, unity and service to humanity.
