Leaders and residents gather in Bondo to commemorate Raila Odinga’s first death anniversary.
Political leaders, family members and supporters gather at Migwena grounds to honour Raila Odinga, a year after his death.
Residents and political leaders have gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark the first Raila death anniversary. The commemoration at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds honours former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Those attending include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Chief Justice David Maraga have also arrived for the memorial.
Family members, political allies and supporters from different parts of Kenya have joined the gathering. Together, they are remembering the veteran opposition leader, who died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
Raila death anniversary follows candlelight tribute
Before Thursday’s gathering, residents held a candle-lighting ceremony on Wednesday night, October 14. They lit candles along the path to Raila’s mausoleum at his family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
The evening tribute brought mourners together ahead of the main commemoration at Migwena. As candles lit the route to his resting place, residents reflected on his role in Kenya’s democratic struggle.
Thursday’s memorial continues those tributes, with leaders and supporters honouring his decades in public service. Raila’s supporters also remember him by his popular name, Baba.
Memorial comes amid debate over ODM’s future
Meanwhile, the anniversary comes amid discussions about the future of the Orange Democratic Movement. Kenya’s political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election also forms part of that wider debate.
The gathering brings political figures and ordinary Kenyans together to reflect on Raila’s contribution to the country’s political history. His death drew tributes from across the political divide, as well as from beyond Kenya’s borders.
National mourning and state funeral
Raila died while receiving medical treatment in India. Following the announcement, President William Ruto declared a period of national mourning and announced plans for a state funeral.
National leaders, dignitaries and members of the public subsequently attended the funeral at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium. The ceremony took place on October 17, 2025, two days after his death.
During the funeral, the Kenya Defence Forces honoured Raila with a 17-gun salute in recognition of his service. A year later, the Bondo commemoration again brings family, leaders and supporters together in his memory.
