Abdulswamad orders free healthcare across Mombasa to mark month-long Raila Odinga commemorations

The initiative marks the launch of a month-long commemoration organized by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to honor the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Friday, October 2, at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, Governor Abdulswamad announced that any patient seeking medical care at county hospitals during the month will be exempted from paying for services.

In addition to waiving future medical fees, the governor ordered the immediate discharge of all patients currently admitted to county hospitals without requiring them to settle outstanding bills. He further instructed that the bodies of deceased individuals currently held in county mortuaries be released to their respective families free of charge.

"Uongozi ni vitendo si maneno," Governor Abdulswamad declared, describing the policy as a tangible way to remember Raila's legacy.

“Kuanzia dakika hii, napeana amri kama Gavana wa Mombasa ambaye ni Gavana mwana-ODM. Napeana amri kila mgonjwa aliye katika hospitali zetu, kuanzia yule ametuacha na yuko katika mortuary na wale ambao ni wagonjwa wote wawe discharged bila malipo yoyote,” he stated.

He added: “Napeana amri ya kuwa mwezi mzima wa October, yeyote atakayeenda katika hospitali zetu atakuwa ni mwenye kutibiwa bila ya kulipa. Hii ndio kumkumbuka Baba Raila Amollo Odinga. Tunamkumbuka kwa vitendo.”

The directive coincided with ODM's official rollout of "Mwezi wa Baba," a month-long national program designed to celebrate Raila’s immense contributions to Kenya's political landscape and public service.

Raila’s son, Raila Odinga Junior, joined Governor Abdulswamad along with other ODM figures and supporters in Mombasa for a solemn candle-lighting ceremony at Treasury Square.

The Mombasa gathering was part of a broader nationwide tribute held simultaneously at 6:00 pm on Friday. Similar candle-lighting events took place across key regional hubs, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Machakos, Kisii, and Eldoret.

In Nairobi, citizens gathered at Uhuru Park, assembling displays of candles, flowers, and portraits of the late leader to pay their respects during the evening ceremony.

The commemorative activities scheduled throughout October lead up to the first anniversary of Raila’s passing on October 15. Key upcoming events include a major political rally in Kakamega on October 9, as well as a national concert and legacy festival set for October 31 in Nairobi.

Alongside ODM's scheduled events, the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee - chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo - is overseeing a family-led remembrance track.

This will feature an international candle-lighting ceremony on October 14 at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo.

Raila Odinga passed away at the age of 80 on October 15, 2025, while undergoing treatment in India. He was subsequently laid to rest at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County.