Embakasi East MP Babu Owino speaking during an interview. /SCREENGRABEmbakasi East MP Babu Owino is set to host a candle-lighting ceremony at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as Kenyans mark the first anniversary of his death.
The legislator announced the event in a statement, inviting members of the public to join the afternoon gathering in memory of Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
Babu said Jacaranda Grounds was chosen because of its significance in Raila’s political journey and the memories associated with the former Prime Minister and his supporters.
“I have organised a candle-lighting ceremony at Jacaranda Grounds, Embakasi East, in honour of our departed BABA,” Babu said.
“Jacaranda was a place very dear to Baba. It holds many memories of his journey, his people, and the struggle for a better Kenya."
The MP invited Kenyans to attend the ceremony as they remember and celebrate Raila’s life and legacy.
“You are all welcome to join us as we come together to remember, honour and celebrate the life and legacy of the ENIGMA,” Babu said.
The event is being held alongside other activities planned to commemorate Raila, with a poster shared by Babu featuring the late former Prime Minister and the Mwananchi Party branding.
The Jacaranda event comes as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leads a nationwide candle-lighting exercise as part of activities marking one year since Raila’s death.
ODM has asked Kenyans to light candles simultaneously at 6 pm, either at designated venues or wherever they are.
The party has also designated venues in various counties, with the main Nairobi event scheduled for Uhuru Park Grounds, where activities are set to begin at 3 pm.
The nationwide exercise is part of a month-long programme dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba”, through which ODM is organising activities to remember Raila and his contribution to the country.
The party has listed other venues including Treasury Square in Mombasa and Kisumu Central Square, with the candle-lighting set for 6 pm across the designated locations.
Babu’s ceremony at Jacaranda therefore provides another gathering point for Raila’s supporters and members of the public wishing to commemorate the former Prime Minister.
The separate event also comes as the Raila Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee prepares its own programme outside ODM structures.
The family-led committee has announced that Mama Ida Odinga will lead a separate candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 8, where Raila was buried next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Raila died while receiving medical treatment in India on October 15, 2025,
His death was followed by nationwide mourning and a state funeral before his burial in Bondo, Siaya.
