A year after Raila Odinga’s death, ODM is preparing to turn October into a month of remembrance, taking the late opposition chief’s legacy to towns and counties across Kenya in a series of rallies, candle-lighting ceremonies and family-led events marking one year since his death.
Dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba”, the month-long tribute will begin on October 2 and culminate in a major memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31, with ODM supporters expected to gather in different parts of the country to honour the party’s founder.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, after suffering cardiac arrest in Kerala, India.
The party said the October programme is meant to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and Pan-Africanism.
“The ODM party has dedicated the entire month of October to his memory. 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,” the party said.
The nationwide programme will open with a candle-lighting ceremony on October 2 at 6pm, with Kenyans encouraged to light candles wherever they are, either individually or in organised groups.
Two days later, ODM will hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
The celebrations will then shift to Raila’s home region, where family-led activities will run from October 10 to 15. The programme will end with the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 15, marking exactly one year since his death.
ODM will continue the remembrance programme in northern Kenya with a memorial rally in Garissa Town on October 17. The event will bring together supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
The party has also scheduled memorial activities at the Coast on October 18 and 19, followed by Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
Kajiado will host the next set of activities on October 21, before the programme moves to Turkana, where events will be held from October 23 to 25.
The month-long tribute will conclude with the “Mwezi wa Baba” memorial rally in Nairobi County on October 31.
ODM has called on its supporters to use the commemorations to renew their commitment to the principles and ideals associated with Raila, who founded the party and served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013.
“We urge all our supporters to rededicate their commitment to Baba’s ideals,” the party said.