The late Raila Odinga/FILELang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has announced a candle-lighting ceremony at Uhuru Park this Friday in honour of the late former ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Jalang’o said the event, scheduled for October 2, will run from 3 pm until midnight as supporters and Kenyans gather to remember the former Prime Minister and celebrate his political legacy.
“We are starting the month of October very strong. Mwezi wa Baba!” Jalang’o said in announcing the event.
He said the entire month of October will be dedicated to Raila, whom he referred to as “Jakom”, as his supporters and political allies come together to reflect on his contribution to the country.
“This Friday, 2nd October, we will gather at Uhuru Park from 3:00 PM until midnight for a candle-lighting celebration in honour of our late party leader, Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” he said.
Jalang’o urged Kenyans to turn up for the event and participate in the remembrance activities.
“Come all. Let us stand together in remembrance and solidarity,” he said.
The candle-lighting ceremony is expected to bring together ODM leaders, Raila’s political allies, supporters and members of the public.
Jalang’o said several leaders from ODM and across the political divide had confirmed that they would attend the event.
They include Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, among several others.
The ceremony will mark the beginning of a month of activities dedicated to remembering Raila, who died after a period of public service spanning several decades.
Raila remained a major figure in the country’s opposition politics and played a central role in shaping the country’s political landscape over several years.
His political career included serving as Prime Minister in the coalition government between 2008 and 2013, while he unsuccessfully contested the presidency several times.
The October programme is expected to provide an opportunity for his supporters and political associates to celebrate his legacy and reflect on his contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic development.
The Uhuru Park event will also bring Raila’s supporters together in Nairobi at a time when ODM continues to navigate the political landscape following his death.
ODM has also announced a series of activities during the month, which include rallies across the country.
The party said it will hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together supporters from counties in the Western Kenya region.
It 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.
The party has also scheduled memorial activities in the Coast region on October 18 and 19 before the country marks Mashujaa Day on October 20.
ODM will hold further memorial activities in Kajiado County on October 21, followed by events in Turkana County between October 23 and 25.
The month-long programme will conclude with a major memorial rally in Nairobi County on October 31.
