NAIROBI, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to hold a memorial rally in Garissa on Sunday, October 18, as the party continues its month-long programme commemorating the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The rally is scheduled to take place at Maji Maji Grounds, bringing together party leaders and supporters from Garissa and neighbouring counties in Northern Kenya.
ODM nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana announced the party’s readiness for the gathering in a post on X, signalling the continuation of activities under the party’s Mwezi wa Baba programme.
“Garissa, we are here,” Kibwana said.
The programme is dedicated to celebrating Raila’s political legacy, his contribution to Kenya’s multiparty democracy and his influence on the country’s political landscape.
ODM Takes Raila’s Memorial Programme To Northern Kenya
The Garissa rally is expected to attract ODM members and supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties, extending the commemorations to Northern Kenya.
The event follows a series of activities organised across the country under Mwezi wa Baba, which ODM announced in September to mark one year since Raila’s death on October 15, 2025.
The programme began on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony, as supporters gathered at designated venues and in their communities to remember the former prime minister.
In Nairobi, the main gathering was held at Uhuru Park, while other commemorations took place in Kisumu, Mombasa and towns across Nyanza and Western Kenya.
Kakamega Rally Brings Together Western Kenya Leaders
On October 9, ODM held a major memorial rally in Kakamega, bringing together party leaders and supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Senior party officials, including regional leaders, used the gathering to pay tribute to Raila and call for unity among party supporters.
The programme then moved to Vihiga County, where ODM scheduled grassroots engagements in Mbale town on October 10.
The regional gatherings have combined tributes to Raila with calls for continued commitment to ODM, reflecting the party’s efforts to sustain the political structures and support base built under his leadership.
Bondo Commemorations Mark First Anniversary
The Western Kenya activities were followed by family-led commemorations between October 10 and 15, culminating in a memorial service at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila was buried at the family home alongside his father, former Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The former prime minister died in India on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment. His death marked the end of a political career spanning decades, during which he became a central figure in opposition politics and the struggle for multiparty democracy.
After the Bondo commemorations, ODM’s programme moves to Garissa before continuing to the Coast region on October 18 and 19.
The party has also scheduled activities in Kajiado County on October 21 and Turkana County between October 23 and 25, ahead of a final memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31.
Raila’s Legacy And ODM’s Political Future
Beyond remembrance, the month-long programme offers ODM an opportunity to reconnect with supporters across the country as it navigates the political landscape following the death of its long-serving leader.
Raila served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained an influential figure in the country’s democratic development. He played a major role in the push for constitutional reforms and the expansion of multiparty politics.
The Garissa gathering will extend the commemorations to Northern Kenya, giving local supporters an opportunity to pay tribute to Raila and engage with the party’s national leadership.
