Mama Ida Odinga poses for a photo with Linda Mwananchi leaders at Opoda farm in Siaya/XPeople’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and TEP's Edwin Sifuna have arrived in Bondo, Siaya for the planned memorial ceremony for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as President William Ruto continues his 10-day development tour of the North Rift.
Earlier Karua announced her arrival in Kisumu in a message paying tribute to Raila, who died a year ago, describing him as a close friend whose legacy remains deeply rooted in Kenya’s history.
“I have just landed in Kisumu ahead of the memorial of my dear brother and friend, the late Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. It is hard to believe that it has already been a year, but today we gather to remember a life that touched so many and a legacy that remains deeply woven into our nation's history,” she said.
Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also shared a video clip showing them leaving Kisumu International Airport after landing before proceeding to Siaya for the memorial activities.
The event, being held at Migwena grounds in Bondo, will be attended by family members and the Linda Mwananchi leaders.
The ceremony follows a candle-lighting event scheduled to be held Wednesday night as Raila’s family, political allies and supporters mark one year since his death.
Raila, a towering figure in Kenya’s opposition politics, died on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India, leaving behind a long political career defined by his campaigns for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and electoral justice.
The memorial activities come as Ruto remains engaged in a development tour of the North Rift, with the President scheduled to visit parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.
He was at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 7, where he officially commissioned Raila’s mausoleum.
On the fourth day of the 10-day tour, Ruto is expected to begin in Chepkorio, Keiyo South, where he will launch the Timboroa-Seguton-Moringwo-Poror-Magrib-Sirwa-Lawina Ochi road.
He is also scheduled to inspect the Chepkorio Affordable Housing Project and the economic stimulus programme market, as well as oversee the issuance of 6,300 title deeds in the area.
The President will then proceed to Eldama Ravine in Baringo County, where he is expected to launch the Poror-Sirwa-Oshid road at Sirwa and commission facilities at the Kenya Medical Training College, including classrooms and the foundation stone for an administration block.
His itinerary also includes the commissioning of a National Government Constituencies Development Fund office and a Huduma Centre, followed by a public address.
In Kabarnet, Ruto is scheduled to inspect Kabarnet Stadium and the town’s affordable housing project, lay the foundation stone for Kabarnet University College and issue a Women Enterprise Fund county cheque.
The tour will later take him to Iten in Keiyo North, where he is expected to commission the Iten KMTC project, inspect Phase Two of the Iten Affordable Housing Project and Kamariny Stadium, and flag off the county last-mile connectivity programme.
He will also commission the Iten fresh produce market and oversee the issuance of title deeds and a Women Enterprise Fund county cheque.
