BONDO, Kenya – Former Chief Justice and 2027 Presidential Aspirant David Maraga, former presidential candidate Martha Karua and Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka have joined Mama Ida Odinga, members of the Odinga family and other leaders in Bondo, Siaya County, to commemorate the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s death.
The gathering on Thursday, October 15, 2026, brings together political leaders, family members and supporters to honour Raila’s life and reflect on his contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey.
In a statement shared on Thursday, Maraga paid tribute to the late opposition leader, highlighting his commitment to democracy and justice.
“I am in Bondo today, joining Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family and other leaders to mark the first memorial of the late Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Maraga stated.
He remembered Raila as a leader who dedicated much of his life to the pursuit of a fairer and more democratic country.
“We remember a man who gave much of his life to the pursuit of a more just and democratic Kenya,” Maraga added.
Orengo, Sifuna And Babu Owino Attend Memorial
Siaya Governor James Orengo has joined Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo and other leaders at the commemoration.
In a video shared on his X account, Orengo was seen greeting and shaking hands with Sifuna, Babu, Odhiambo and other attendees.
The governor captioned the moment with the words “Baba at 1,” as leaders and supporters gathered to remember Raila, who died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
The attendance of Orengo, Sifuna and Babu Owino also brings together prominent figures associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has featured prominently in recent debates over ODM’s political direction.
Kalonzo Heads To Bondo To Honour Raila
Kalonzo Musyoka also announced that he was travelling to Bondo to join Ida Odinga, the family and other Kenyans in honouring his longtime political ally and friend.
In a message shared on Thursday, Kalonzo said he had left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and was heading to Kisumu before proceeding to Bondo.
“I have just left JKIA, heading straight to Kisumu and onwards to Bondo to join Mama Ida Odinga, the family and fellow Kenyans in honouring the memory of my late brother and dear friend, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, one year since his passing,” he said.
Kalonzo and Raila shared a long political relationship, including their cooperation within Kenya’s opposition politics.
Martha Karua Arrives In Kisumu
Martha Karua, another longtime friend and political ally of Raila, also arrived in Kisumu ahead of the memorial.
In a message ahead of the event, the PLP leader described Raila as a dear friend and brother whose legacy remained deeply woven into Kenya’s history.
“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,” Karua said.
Her arrival adds to the list of political figures travelling to the region to join the Odinga family and supporters in marking the anniversary.
Kenyans Reflect On Raila’s Political Legacy
The first anniversary memorial offers an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on Raila’s decades-long role in opposition politics, constitutional reform and the struggle for multiparty democracy.
Raila served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 under the Grand Coalition Government formed after the disputed 2007 General Election. He remained a central figure in Kenyan politics for decades and contested the presidency five times.
The Bondo gathering brings together leaders from different political backgrounds, underscoring the breadth of relationships Raila built during his political career.
As family members, leaders and supporters remember the former Prime Minister, tributes have centred on his contribution to democratic reform and his enduring influence on Kenya’s political landscape.
