NAIROBI, Kenya — Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has announced a candle-lighting ceremony at Uhuru Park on Friday, October 2, to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Jalang’o said the event will run from 3pm to midnight, bringing together Raila’s supporters, political allies and members of the public to remember the former ODM leader.
“We are starting the month of October very strong. Mwezi wa Baba!” Jalang’o said in announcing the event on Tuesday.
He said October would be dedicated to remembering Raila, whom he referred to as “Jakom”, and urged Kenyans to attend the Uhuru Park gathering.
“This Friday, 2nd October, we will gather at Uhuru Park from 3:00 PM until midnight for a candle-lighting celebration in honour of our late party leader, Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” he said.
Jalang’o said several leaders from ODM and other political formations had confirmed their attendance, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
ODM Sets Month-Long Raila Commemorations
The Uhuru Park event comes at the start of a wider programme announced by ODM to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The party has designated October as “Mwezi wa Baba”, with activities planned across different parts of the country.
ODM’s programme begins on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting exercise at 6pm, with Kenyans encouraged to participate individually or in organised groups.
A major memorial rally is scheduled for Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
From October 10 to 15, Raila’s family is expected to lead memorial activities culminating in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.
The programme will then move to Northern Kenya, with a memorial rally planned for Garissa on October 17. Events are also scheduled for the Coast region on October 18 and 19, followed by activities in Kajiado on October 21 and Turkana from October 23 to 25.
The month-long programme is scheduled to conclude with a major memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31.
Raila’s First Death Anniversary
The commemorations will mark one year since Raila died on October 15, 2025, bringing together his family, political associates, ODM supporters and members of the public.
Raila served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and remained a major figure in Kenya’s opposition politics for decades.
His family has also established a committee to coordinate activities marking the first anniversary, saying the commemorations would provide an opportunity for Kenyans to mourn, remember and celebrate his life.
