NAIROBI, Kenya- Hundreds of people have gathered at Uhuru Park ahead of a 6pm candle-lighting ceremony in honour of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The Nairobi gathering is part of a nationwide tribute organised by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with Kenyans invited to light candles at the same time across the country.
The main event at Uhuru Park began at 3 pm, with activities expected to continue into the night.
Similar ceremonies are planned in counties including Kisumu, Mombasa, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Busia, Nakuru, Garissa and Turkana.
In Kisumu, the gathering is scheduled for Central Square, while Mombasa’s event is planned for Treasury Square.
The candle lighting opens ODM’s month-long programme, dubbed “Mwezi wa Baba,” to remember Raila’s life and political legacy.
The former prime minister and longtime ODM leader died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
Raila served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained a major figure in Kenyan politics for decades.
The commemorations will continue this month, with ODM planning rallies and other memorial activities in several regions before a Nairobi gathering on October 31.
The party has urged people in Kenya and abroad to join the 6 pm candle lighting in memory of Raila, widely known to supporters as “Baba.”
