BONDO, Kenya – All eyes turn to Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday as Kenya marks the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with thousands of mourners and national and international dignitaries expected to gather to celebrate his life and political legacy.
Preparations were completed at Migwena Cultural Grounds ahead of the memorial service, while a candlelight ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Raila’s final resting place, set the stage for the main commemoration.
The anniversary comes amid heightened political interest, with family members and organisers urging leaders and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid turning the occasion into a contest for political influence.
Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, and the wider Jaramogi family have called for calm, seeking to ensure the event remains focused on remembrance rather than partisan rivalry.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who is also vice-chairman of the National Steering Committee coordinating the anniversary, said Migwena Cultural Grounds had been prepared to accommodate about 10,000 people, with overall attendance potentially reaching 20,000 across the wider event arrangements.
“We have contracted young men to put up a facility essentially to accommodate about 10,000 people tomorrow (Thursday). They have assured us that by this evening the entire set-up will be ready,” Amollo said on Wednesday.
Memorial Programme To Begin At 6am
The programme is scheduled to begin at 6am with performances by various groups and video clips documenting Raila’s life and political journey.
The family, bishops and other dignitaries are expected to arrive at 10.30am, ahead of the main service scheduled for 11am. The Anglican Church will lead the service, which is expected to last about 45 minutes.
Interdenominational prayers and intercessions by representatives of different religious groups will follow.
Amollo said organisers had arranged the venue to separate members of the public from VIP guests, with the main dais initially serving as the platform for the church service before hosting subsequent activities.
Organisers Warn Politicians Against Turning Event Into Political Contest
Despite the solemn occasion, political activity is expected as leaders and supporters converge on Bondo, prompting appeals for restraint from the family and organisers.
Amollo said the anniversary should not be used by politicians to demonstrate their popularity or mobilise rival political factions.
“It is not the day of politics. It is not the day for different politicians to contest to show popularity or otherwise,” he said.
“The family emphasises that tomorrow (Thursday) is a day when everyone is invited, but not to come and do politics, but to come and remember Raila,” he added.
He urged political leaders and their supporters to shun goonism and violence, warning that disruption would undermine the purpose of the commemoration.
Organisers have encouraged attendees to put aside partisan interests and approach the anniversary as a national event, arguing that Raila’s legacy extended beyond individual political parties and formations.
Amollo said the family wanted those attending to wear their “national hat” rather than their partisan political hat, noting that the gathering would include relatives, religious leaders, international guests and representatives of different political formations.
Security And Public Health Measures Put In Place
Preparations have been coordinated by the National Steering Committee in collaboration with national security and administration teams, the Siaya County Government and Raila’s family.
Amollo said organisers had received assurances of adequate security and thanked the national government, led by President William Ruto, for its cooperation.
Security assessments had been conducted, with measures planned to manage crowds and protect those attending the memorial.
Organisers are also working with relevant government departments on public health arrangements in anticipation of the large turnout. Amollo did not provide details of the specific health protocols being implemented.
Candlelight Ceremony Precedes Main Anniversary
A candlelight ceremony was held at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on Wednesday evening, featuring a brief homily by the Anglican Church and speeches by family members.
The programme was scheduled to begin at 4.30pm, with formal proceedings starting at 5pm, before culminating in a fireworks display.
Organisers also encouraged people around the world to light candles in Raila’s memory and share photographs through the Raila Odinga Legacy website.
Remembering Raila’s Political Legacy
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, ending a decades-long political career that placed him at the centre of Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and social justice.
His first death anniversary brings together family, political allies, opponents, religious leaders and ordinary Kenyans to reflect on his influence on the country’s political history.
As mourners gather in Bondo, the family and organisers have urged attendees to honour his memory peacefully, with the emphasis on his life and legacy rather than political competition.
