ODM has announced a countrywide candle-lighting ceremony on Friday, October 2, to commemorate one year since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The ceremony will be held simultaneously across the country at 6pm, with Kenyans invited to light candles wherever they are, including at county headquarters and other designated venues.
The Orange Democratic Movement said the event had been organised in conjunction with the National Steering Committee on preparations for the first anniversary of the Raila Odinga Memorial.
The announcement follows a communication issued by the party after a Central Committee meeting held on September 9, 2026.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga urged Kenyans in the country and abroad to take part in the candle-lighting, describing Raila as “Baba”, “Agwambo Wuod Nyalego” and “the father of devolution”.
“One year ago, Kenya lost a giant. We lost Baba. We lost our leader, the enigma, Agwambo Wuod Nyalego and the father of devolution,” Wanga said in a post on X.
“Yet some legacies do not fade. Some memories do not die. And some voices continue to live in the hearts of a nation.”
In Nairobi, the main candle-lighting event will be held at the Uhuru Park Grounds from 3 pm, with the candle-lighting taking place at 6 pm.
In Mombasa, the event will be held at Treasury Square in the Central Business District, while Kisumu will host its candle-lighting at Kisumu Central Square.
The party said the October activities were intended to give Kenyans an opportunity to remember Raila and reflect on the values he stood for, the causes he championed and his contribution to Kenyan society.
“#MweziWaBaba is one of a kind,” ODM said, inviting Kenyans from all walks of life to “Light up for Baba” wherever they will be.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. His death was followed by a state funeral and nationwide mourning, before he was buried at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.
The October 2 candle-lighting will precede the first anniversary of his death on October 15. ODM has dedicated the entire month to commemorative activities under the #MweziWaBaba campaign.
