Mama Ida leads candle-lighting ceremony for Raila

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The family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday evening lit candles at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark one year since his death.

Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, led family members in the candle-lighting ceremony, which brought together relatives and supporters to remember the former Prime Minister.

Also present was Raila Odinga Junior, who joined the family during the International Candle Lighting Ceremony held at the historic site.

A sombre mood prevailed as the family arrived for the ceremony, which formed part of events organised to commemorate Raila’s first death anniversary.

The ceremony began at 6pm, in line with an earlier announcement by the commemoration and anniversary steering committee, led by chairperson Adams Oloo.

The committee had called on Kenyans and Raila’s supporters across the world to participate in the remembrance by lighting candles at the same time, regardless of their location.

The organisers urged people to light candles in their homes, churches, mosques and community gatherings as a symbolic tribute to the former Prime Minister.

“We are calling on every Kenyan and every friend of Raila Odinga, wherever they are in the world, to light a candle at that hour, in homes, in churches, in mosques, in their oral gatherings, from London to Lagos, from Minnesota to Mombasa,” the committee said.

The candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi was among the events planned to honour Raila and reflect on his life and legacy one year after his death.

The former Prime Minister died a year ago, prompting widespread mourning among his family, political allies, supporters and Kenyans across the country.

His death marked the end of a political career spanning several decades, during which he played a prominent role in Kenya’s political affairs.

The ceremony was part of a series of activities organised by the family and other organisers to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death.

The Bondo event also provided an opportunity for the family to remember Raila at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, a place associated with his family and the legacy of his late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.