The commemoration at Migwena Grounds in Bondo honoured Raila Odinga’s memory.
Ida Odinga says doctors advised Oburu to rest as mourners interrupt the Bondo commemoration and question the programme.
Sections of the crowd disrupted the first Raila anniversary commemoration in Bondo on Thursday, demanding answers about Oburu Oginga’s absence. Chants, shouts and repeated interruptions unsettled proceedings at Migwena Grounds, where thousands gathered to honour the former Prime Minister.
The gathering followed a church service led by the Anglican Church of Kenya. However, questions about absent ODM leaders and the programme repeatedly interrupted the remembrance of Raila Odinga.
ODM leader Oburu and party chairperson Gladys Wanga did not attend the event. Supporters focused their demands on Oburu, prompting Ida Odinga to explain his absence and convey his apologies.
Oburu’s health dominates Raila anniversary questions
Ida said Oburu was unwell, although his condition was not serious. She explained that his doctors had advised him to slow down and avoid a large, noisy gathering.
She also told mourners that Oburu had asked her to deliver the message. Her explanation sought to reassure supporters who continued asking why the party leader had stayed away.
Meanwhile, the master of ceremonies repeatedly urged attendees to remain calm and respect the occasion. Those appeals did not fully settle the gathering, as murmurs and scattered shouts continued.
The interruptions complicated organisers’ efforts to keep the programme moving. Groups of supporters also moved around the grounds as disagreements over the proceedings persisted.
ODM leadership debate shapes tensions
The disorder came amid disagreements about ODM’s leadership and political direction following Raila’s death. His absence from the political scene has left supporters debating who will shape the party’s future.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino attended the commemoration. Both have an association with calls for a one-term leadership arrangement.
Some attendees also challenged the prominence of certain leaders during the programme. They complained that politicians serving their first terms appeared to dominate proceedings.
These objections added to the tension over the absence of senior party figures. However, the gathering’s central purpose remained remembering Raila and honouring his legacy.
Ida urges mourners to protect occasion’s dignity
As disruptions continued, Raila’s widow appealed to mourners to preserve the dignity of the commemoration. She urged attendees not to turn the gathering into a political contest.
Ida acknowledged that people had arrived with different intentions. She therefore asked those pursuing other aims to allow mourners space to remember Raila.
Despite her appeal and explanation about Oburu’s health, interruptions continued to unsettle the programme. Tensions over leadership and speaking roles threatened to overshadow the anniversary tribute.
