Preparations in top gear at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya county /FAITH MATETEPreparations are in high gear at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya county, ahead of the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with organisers racing to complete the venue ahead of Thursday’s memorial.
Tents are being erected, the main dais is taking shape and final touches are being made to the washrooms as workers put together facilities expected to accommodate thousands of mourners.
The main dome tent is also being set up as organisers prepare to host family members, national and international dignitaries, religious leaders, politicians and members of the public to commemorate the life and legacy of the veteran opposition leader.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who is also vice chairman of the National Steering Committee coordinating the anniversary, said contractors drawn from the local community had been engaged to prepare a venue with a seating capacity of about 10,000 people.
“We have contracted homeboys to put up a facility essentially to sit about 10,000 people tomorrow. They have assured us that by this evening the entire setup will be ready,” he said.
Amollo said the programme would begin at 6am on Thursday with performances by different groups and video clips capturing Raila’s life and times.
The family is expected to arrive at 10.30am alongside the bishop and other dignitaries, ahead of the main service scheduled to begin at 11am under the Anglican Church.
The service is expected to last about 45 minutes, followed by interdenominational prayers and intercessions from different religious groups.
Speeches by family members, dignitaries, ambassadors and other international guests will follow, interspersed with performances and video presentations celebrating Raila’s contribution to the country.
Amollo said the venue had been arranged to accommodate members of the public on one side and VIPs on the other, with the main dais initially serving as the platform for the church service before hosting subsequent activities.
Preparations in top gear at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya county /FAITH MATETEThe preparations are being coordinated with the national security and administration teams, the Siaya county government and Raila’s family through the national steering committee.
Amollo said organisers had received assurances of adequate security and thanked the national government, led by President William Ruto, for its cooperation.
He said security assessments had been conducted ahead of the event, with measures being put in place to manage crowds and ensure the safety of those attending.
Organisers are also working with relevant government departments on public health arrangements, with attendance potentially reaching 20,000 people.
Amollo said the preparations included measures to address public health requirements, although he did not elaborate on the specific protocols.
However, the MP emphasised that the anniversary should remain a moment of remembrance rather than a platform for political competition.
“Tomorrow is not the day of politics. It is not the day for different politicians to contest to show popularity or otherwise,” he said. “
He added “The family emphasises that tomorrow is a day where everyone is invited, but not to come and do politics, but to come and remember Raila Amolo Odinga.”
He also urged political leaders and their supporters to shun goonism, warning that violence and political disruption would undermine the purpose of the commemoration.
The warning echoes appeals by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, for a peaceful anniversary that reflects the values the former prime minister championed during his political career.
“Anyone who comes for that purpose will not be coming to remember Raila. They will be coming to dance on his grave,” Amollo said.
He further urged attendees to set aside partisan interests and embrace a national outlook, saying Raila’s legacy transcended individual political parties and formations.
The family wants those attending to wear their “national hat” rather than their partisan political hat, he said, given the presence of international guests, religious leaders, family members and representatives of different political formations.
Before Thursday’s memorial, a candlelight ceremony is scheduled to take place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on Wednesday evening.
Amollo said the event would begin at 4.30pm, with the formal programme starting at 5pm and featuring a brief homily by the Anglican Church and speeches by family members.
At exactly 6pm, Ida Odinga will light the first candle, marking the beginning of a worldwide candlelight tribute to the former prime minister.
People across the world have been encouraged to light candles in his memory and share their photographs through the Raila Odinga Legacy website, diababarailedinga legacy.org, as indicated by the organisers.
The candlelight ceremony will also feature other activities and culminate in a fireworks display.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, in India, aged 80, leaving behind a decades-long political legacy marked by the struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and social justice.
His first anniversary brings together family, political allies, religious leaders and supporters to reflect on his life and the ideals he championed.
