Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged Kenyans to maintain peace during Thursday’s first anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the event will bring together mourners and dignitaries from across the world.
Orengo said the October 15 event would be a solemn occasion to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy.
The former Prime Minister died in India on October 15, 2025.
He called on residents of Siaya and Bondo, Raila’s ancestral home, to turn out in large numbers and accord the late opposition leader the honour he deserves.
“This will not be a day of ordinary politics. It is a day to mourn a hero, an enigma, in his full honour and splendour,” Orengo said during a press briefing in Siaya.
He said the family had made it clear that everyone was welcome to participate in the commemoration, regardless of their political affiliation.
Orengo added that the event was expected to attract local and international guests, including people who had worked with Raila throughout his political career.
“We already have confirmation of many guests who are going to come. In the political space, nearly everybody is going to be here, but this will not be a day for ordinary politics,” he said.
The governor described Raila as one of Kenya’s greatest political figures, citing his contribution to the restoration of multiparty democracy, the struggle for a new Constitution and the introduction of devolution.
He said Raila’s sacrifices, including spending nine years in detention, demonstrated his commitment to the country’s democratic struggle.
“He brought us multiparty democracy and worked tirelessly for us to have a new Constitution and devolution. Even those who disagreed with him in his quest for a new Constitution are now operating under that Constitution,” Orengo said.
He urged those attending the anniversary to respect the solemn nature of the occasion, saying political debates unrelated to Raila’s life and legacy could be pursued at another time.
Orengo also recalled the historical significance of Megwena, where he said Kenya’s founding Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga met Raila’s mother.
The governor said the place held special memories for the Odinga family. He recalled a visit during a sports festival when Jaramogi narrated how he had been attracted to Raila’s mother because of her athletic abilities.
Orengo said he expected the anniversary to become an annual event, similar to commemorations held in honour of Jaramogi.
“I want to assure people in Kenya and across the world, and particularly here in Siaya and Bondo, that everybody is welcome to come and remember Raila on October 15,” he said.
The anniversary follows the unveiling of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo last week, an event presided over by President William Ruto. Orengo said the unveiling demonstrated that Raila’s legacy extended beyond his home county and Kenya, describing the anniversary as a global occasion.
Siaya County Secretary Elizabeth Adongo said the county government had been tasked with preparing the venue, coordinating emergency and security operations with national government agencies, and ensuring adequate water and sanitation services.
She said county departments had been working alongside the local community and other agencies to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.
Adongo said a security assessment had been conducted and preparations made to manage crowds and provide the necessary security.
On public health, she said the county was working with the national government to ensure appropriate measures were in place, including Ebola-related protocols.
The county expects up to 20,000 people to attend the commemoration.
Adongo thanked residents for supporting the preparations, saying the county was ready to host the visitors.
Orengo reiterated his appeal for peace, saying the family had opened the invitation to all those wishing to celebrate the life of the former Prime Minister.
He said the occasion would provide an opportunity for Kenyans and international guests to reflect on Raila’s contribution to the country and honour his place in Kenya’s history.
