The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will dedicate the entire month of October to honouring its late leader, Raila Odinga, as the party prepares to mark one year since his death with a series of activities across the country.
ODM Communication Director Philip Etale said the party had planned a packed programme that will see its officials travel to different parts of the country to engage supporters and commemorate Raila’s life and political legacy.
Speaking on Radio Generation on Thursday, September 10, 2026, Etale said October had been designated “Raila Month” as the party prepares for the first anniversary of the former Prime Minister’s death.
“We call it Raila Month because that’s the month that our Baba rested,” Etale said.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while undergoing treatment in India. He had travelled to the country for medical care before his death.
Etale said the activities would run throughout October, with ODM leaders expected to meet supporters in different regions as part of the commemorations.
The programme will also give the party an opportunity to reflect on Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s politics and his role in building ODM into one of the country’s major political parties.
“It’s one year down the line. We have dedicated the entire month,” Etale said.
The full schedule of events will be announced by ODM organising secretary and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who is expected to outline the activities planned for various parts of the country.
“He’s going to make it clear what we are going to do in October,” Etale said.
The commemorations will come nearly a year after Raila died on October 15, 2025, bringing to an end decades of political activity that saw him serve as Prime Minister and emerge as one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.
ODM plans to use the month-long programme to bring its leaders and supporters together in different parts of the country as they remember the former party leader.
The casket bearing the remains of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the funeral service at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on October 19, 2025/PCS
Beyond the tributes, the activities are also expected to help ODM reconnect with its grassroots network and revitalise party structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Etale said the party would use the period to strengthen its presence across the country and re-energise its support base.
“We are going to revitalise our party. We are going to re-energise our party,” he said.
The October programme will therefore combine remembrance of Raila with party activities aimed at keeping his political legacy alive while preparing ODM for the next electoral contest.
Etale said the party remained focused on strengthening its numbers, arguing that a strong grassroots base would be important as political parties prepare for possible alliances ahead of the 2027 election.
For ODM, however, October will primarily be a month of remembrance, with supporters and party officials expected to take part in nationwide events marking one year since the death of the man widely known as “Baba”.