Mama Ida Odinga has announced the formation of a national steering committee to coordinate commemorative activities in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ida said the committee brings together representatives from the government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Odinga family.
She said the committee is chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, with lawyer and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo also serving on the team.
“These celebrations do not belong to the committee; they belong to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome,” Ida said.
She noted that many Kenyans did not get an opportunity to mourn Raila in the manner they wished and said the commemorative activities would provide an opportunity for people to honour his life and legacy.
Ida further clarified that all commemorative activities, events and institutional initiatives related to the celebration of Raila will be conducted under the direct guidance of the committee.
"The Kenya School of Government has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, designated as a centre of excellence to foster diligent governance practices, public sector leadership, and public administration studies," she said.
She urged Raila’s supporters and Kenyans who wish to participate in the celebrations to engage through the national steering committee.
The Odinga family had earlier announced the formation of a committee to coordinate activities marking the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, saying the commemorations would give Kenyans an opportunity to mourn, remember and celebrate his life.
The family said many of Raila’s supporters did not get an opportunity to mourn him or bid him farewell in the manner they wished following his death on October 15, 2025.
It said the first anniversary would therefore give “Baba’s people” a moment to remember him, mourn, celebrate his life and honour the journey they shared with him.
The announcement came shortly after ODM unveiled a month-long programme dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba” to commemorate Raila’s first death anniversary.
The programme includes a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony on October 2, a memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9, activities led by the family in Bondo from October 10 to 15, and further commemorative events in other parts of the country.
