Former ODM leader Raila Odinga /HANDOUTThe Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee has warned against unauthorised fundraising in the name of the late former Prime Minister’s family or the committee during the month of remembrance marking the first anniversary of his death.
Committee chairperson Adams Oloo said the committee had received information that some people were already taking advantage of the anniversary period to solicit funds.
Speaking at Capitol Hill Square on Thursday, Oloo cautioned those involved against using the remembrance activities for personal gain.
“We make this request out of an abundance of caution so that no one may misuse this well-intended season of remembrance for personal gain,” he said.
Oloo said the committee, following consultations with Mama Ida Odinga and the family, had officially opened the month of remembrance, inviting Kenyans across the country and beyond to celebrate Raila’s life and recommit to the ideals he championed.
“Everyone is warmly welcome to celebrate Baba in the best way they can. And we underline this, provided that no funds are raised in the name of the family or the National Steering Committee,” he said.
The committee said the remembrance activities were intended to bring together Kenyans from different communities, political backgrounds and faiths to honour the former Prime Minister’s life and legacy.
The month will feature a series of events, including candle-lighting ceremonies to honour Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India.
The committee said it had been informed of a candle-lighting event planned by the Orange Democratic Movement and Nairobi City County Government on Friday, October 2, and had given its blessing to the initiative.
The official international candle-lighting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 14, at 6 pm East African time at Raila’s resting place in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo.
Ida Odinga will lead the ceremony, with the committee inviting individuals, institutions and organisations around the world to participate from wherever they are.
“Wherever you may be, at home, in your place of worship, or in any corner of the world, light a candle in his memory at that hour so that one light may shine in a million places at once,” Oloo said.
Participants will also be invited to share their candle-lighting experiences as part of the global remembrance.
The main memorial event is scheduled for October 15 at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, with activities expected to begin at 8 am.
Oloo said the remembrance month was intended to celebrate Raila’s legacy and the ideals of democracy, justice and national unity.
He said the former Prime Minister had drawn strength from ordinary Kenyans and believed in their dignity and ability to shape the country’s future.
