BONDO, Kenya – President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta are expected to share a podium in Bondo on Thursday, October 15, during commemorations marking the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, amid renewed political tensions between the two leaders.
The three-day programme, running from October 13 to October 15, is expected to bring together political leaders, members of the Odinga family, religious leaders, elders, youth and supporters to honour Raila’s life and reflect on his legacy.
However, the planned reunion between Ruto and Uhuru has introduced a delicate protocol question as political rivalry intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to a programme by the Raila Odinga Memorial Anniversary Committee, both leaders are expected to attend the main commemoration at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo on Thursday.
The organisers and the Odinga family reportedly invited Uhuru as the chief guest before Ruto confirmed his attendance, creating uncertainty over seating arrangements and the official roles of the two former political rivals.
Ruto visited Bondo on October 7 to officially hand over and dedicate the Raila Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
The latest developments have reportedly prompted discussions within the Odinga family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over how to manage the programme without allowing political competition to overshadow the memorial.
Ruto, Uhuru Feud Adds To Protocol Concerns
The anticipated meeting comes amid renewed exchanges between the President and his predecessor.
During a recent tour of the North Rift region, Ruto reportedly described Uhuru as “deceitful” and warned opposition leaders against trusting him.
Uhuru, meanwhile, has urged voters in the Mt Kenya region not to repeat what he described as the “mistake” of supporting Ruto.
The exchanges have heightened political sensitivities around the anniversary, with both leaders expected to pay tribute to Raila, whose political career spanned decades and included alliances with leaders across Kenya’s political divide.
An ODM Member of Parliament said that the commemorations should not become a contest over which leaders supported Raila most.
“We do not expect any contests on who helped Raila and who did not help him. That does not help us as a region in any way now because what we want to remain solid and beneficial is the broad-based government arrangement,” the MP said, speaking anonymously.
The legislator’s remarks reflect the political considerations surrounding the event, with sections of ODM supporting the broad-based government arrangement and Ruto’s re-election bid.
Kisumu Dialogue To Open Three-Day Commemoration
The commemorations will begin on Tuesday, October 13, at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu, where elders, youth, women and religious leaders will participate in an intergenerational dialogue.
The meeting will focus on Raila’s call for dialogue between generations as a way of addressing Kenya’s social, political and economic challenges.
Participants are also expected to reflect on the period since his death, with discussions centred on peace, tolerance and public participation.
Young people will present poetry and musical performances exploring Raila’s political struggles, the aspirations of the people and his legacy. A blood donation exercise will also be held in recognition of his commitment to public service.
In a statement dated October 12, committee chair Prof Adams Oloo said the anniversary should be an opportunity to celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya rather than focus exclusively on mourning.
“This is not a week of mourning alone. It is a week of gratitude,” the statement said.
The committee said the gathering would highlight Raila’s relationship with the community that raised him and his contribution to national development.
Ida Odinga To Lead International Candle-Lighting Ceremony
On Wednesday, October 14, the commemorations will move to Kang’o for an international candle-lighting ceremony led by Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6pm, with Kenyans and supporters around the world encouraged to light candles simultaneously as a symbol of remembrance and unity.
“In homes, in churches, in mosques, in diaspora gatherings from London to Lagos, from Minnesota to Mombasa, let a single flame become a million flames,” the committee said.
The organisers said the initiative would allow supporters outside Kenya to participate in the tribute, extending the anniversary beyond the country’s borders.
Main Memorial Set For Thursday In Bondo
The main anniversary gathering will take place at Migwena Cultural Grounds on Thursday, October 15, beginning at 7am.
Musicians from Kenya and other countries are expected to perform in tribute to Raila, who remained a central figure in the country’s political history for decades.
The committee said the gathering would offer an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on his life, public service and the ideals he championed.
“Above all, Migwena will be a moment of collective remembrance: a chance to walk once more through the journey of his life, and to recommit ourselves to the values and ideals that defined his decades of public service,” the committee said.
With Ruto and Uhuru both expected at the event, the anniversary will bring together leaders whose political relationship has become increasingly strained, placing additional attention on the proceedings as the country approaches the 2027 election season.
