A mural of Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga displayed at the newly launched Regional Leadership and Governance Academy at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi/ HANDOUTThe family of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga has constituted a committee to coordinate activities marking the first anniversary of his death.
In a statement on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the family said it was keen to give Kenyans an opportunity to mourn, remember and celebrate the life of the veteran politician.
“As we approach the first anniversary of the passing of our beloved Raila Amolo Odinga, our family is deeply conscious that Baba belonged to the people,” the family said.
The family acknowledged that many of Raila’s supporters did not get an opportunity to mourn him or say goodbye in the manner they would have wished following his death.
“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” the statement said.
The family said the committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, will coordinate commemorative activities during the week of September 15, which the family said will be announced in due time.
Anyone wishing to participate in, support or organise an activity as part of the anniversary celebrations has been asked to work through the committee to ensure proper coordination and inclusivity.
The family also sought to reassure Raila’s supporters that the commemorations would bring together people from across the country and different generations.
“We want to assure everyone: Baba's people will not be left behind,” the family said.
“There will be room for those who walked with him from every community, every generation, every part of the country and every chapter of his life.”
The family said the anniversary should not be associated with any individual or institution, but should instead reflect the lives Raila touched during his political career.
“This anniversary belongs neither to an individual nor to an institution. It belongs to the people whose lives Baba touched,” the family said.
“As a family, our responsibility is to make sure they have their chance to remember him.”
The family asked Kenyans to exercise patience as preparations for the anniversary commemorations are finalised.
Announcement come after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on September 10 announced a month-long programme of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The party has dedicated October to honouring Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and Pan-Africanism, with activities planned across different parts of the country.
ODM said the programme, dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba”, will begin on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony in memory of Raila.
“Kenyans will be requested to light candles wherever they are, either in organised groups or individually, in remembrance of BABA,” the party said in a press statement.
The candle-lighting ceremony will take place at 6 pm across the country, according to the party.
ODM will then hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together supporters from counties in the Western Kenya region.
The party listed Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia among the counties expected to participate in the event.
From October 10 to 15, the party said Raila’s family would lead a series of memorial activities that will culminate in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
The programme will then move to Northern Kenya, where ODM plans to hold a memorial rally in Garissa Town on October 17.
The Garissa event will bring together ODM members and supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
