Ida Odinga Opens Raila Memorial to All as Orengo Warns Against Political Disruption

Preparations for the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have entered the final stages, with thousands of mourners, political leaders, family members and supporters expected to converge at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15.

The commemorations are being held one year after Raila died on October 15, 2025, and the family has opened the event to Kenyans across political, religious and social backgrounds. The Star

As preparations continue, Siaya Governor James Orengo has called on political leaders and their supporters to maintain peace and dignity throughout the memorial, warning against attempts to introduce political confrontations or groups of goons into the solemn occasion.

Orengo said the anniversary should not become a platform for ordinary political competition, insisting that the focus must remain on remembering Raila, his contribution to the country and the legacy he left behind.

The governor described the presence of political goons as a national problem and appealed to those attending the memorial to ensure that the gathering remains peaceful.

He also urged the national government and security agencies to ensure that individuals capable of disrupting the occasion are kept away from the event.

Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, has similarly called for unity ahead of the anniversary, saying her late husband’s legacy transcended political parties, religious denominations and social boundaries.

Ida said Raila had interacted with people from different political parties throughout his long political career and therefore should not be treated as the property of one political organization or group.

She pointed to Raila’s long political journey, noting that he had been associated with different parties during his career, including KANU, NDP and Ford Kenya, among others.

Her message was that people who knew and worked with Raila at different stages of his life should be free to participate in remembering him.

The family has consequently invited people from across the political divide to attend the October 15 memorial. The event is expected to bring together individuals who supported Raila politically as well as those who interacted with him in other aspects of public life.

Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds have been undergoing preparations ahead of the memorial, with county officials working with other agencies to ensure the venue is ready for the expected crowds.

Siaya County has been tasked with supporting preparations in areas including security coordination, emergency response, water and sanitation.

County officials have said security assessments have been carried out and arrangements put in place to manage the expected crowds. The county expects a large turnout for the commemoration. The Star

The choice of Migwena is also significant because of its historical connection to the Odinga family and Raila’s personal memories of the area. The grounds were associated with sporting and social activities that Raila regularly attended

The main memorial at Migwena will form part of a three-day programme celebrating Raila’s life and political legacy.

The programme began on October 13 with an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu. On Wednesday, October 14, Ida Odinga is expected to lead an international candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo at 6pm.

Kenyans and Raila supporters around the world have been encouraged to light candles at the same time as a symbol of remembrance and unity.

The programme will culminate in the main memorial gathering at Migwena Cultural Grounds on Thursday, October 15. The Star

The commemorations come shortly after the official handover and commissioning of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, an event presided over by President William Ruto on October 7.

The anniversary is also expected to attract prominent political figures from across Kenya, making the event potentially significant given the country’s increasingly competitive political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Reports indicate that leaders from different political camps have been invited, including President William Ruto, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition figures. Their potential presence could bring together political leaders who currently occupy very different positions in the country’s political landscape. The Star

However, Ida and Orengo have emphasized that political differences should not overshadow the memorial.

Orengo has described October 15 as a day to mourn and honour Raila rather than a day for ordinary political activities. He has also welcomed Kenyans from across the country and beyond to attend the occasion peacefully. People Daily

With preparations now nearing completion, attention is turning to Bondo as the Odinga family, county officials and organizers make final arrangements for what is expected to be a major national remembrance of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

The central message from the organizers remains one of peace, unity and tolerance, with calls for political leaders and their supporters to put aside their differences and allow the anniversary to focus on Raila Odinga’s life, struggles and legacy.