Ida Odinga unveils committee to lead national celebrations marking Raila’s first anniversary

The widow of the late Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, has officially commissioned a national steering committee tasked with coordinating activities to commemorate the former Prime Minister's first death anniversary. 

In a press briefing held at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on Thursday, September 17, Ida explained that the committee will ensure that all plans are carried out effectively to allow all his supporters to mourn and celebrate him.

Chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo and deputised by Rarieda Member of Parliament Dr. Otiende Amollo, Ida revealed that the committee brought together representatives from all sectors including government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Raila family.

She indicated that some of the committee members were present at the press briefing including Raila Odinga Jr, Nominated Senator Crystal Asige, former Attorney General Amos Wako among others.

"This celebration does not belong to the committee; it belongs to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome," she stated. 

"We know Kenyans did not have the moment to mourn him in the way they wished. This week is an opportunity to come together to participate, remember and celebrate the life of Raila Odinga."

According to Ida, the Prof. Oloo-led committee will develop the calendar of activities and share it publicly in due time. 

"We deliberately call for celebration of his life. Baba loved people, he loved sports, he loved music, he loved laughter, debate and the energy of the crowd. We want to carry the same spirit, nobody who loved Baba will be left behind," she remarked. 

"The committee will share the calendar that will run from October 10th to 17th together with information on how individuals, communities, organisations wishing to participate can do so."

Prof. Oloo lauded Mama Ida for staying by her late husband's side during his political career that spanned over three decades. 

"She represents the epitome of that man, a giant of a man, because she walked with that man through thick and thin. She remained unbowed even when her husband was arrested, she remained unbowed even when they stopped her employment, she remained unbowed even when they were chased out of a government house," he highlighted. 

"It shall remain family-led; any partnership this committee shall enter into shall have the blessings of the family. This celebration shall be about the people. All the people are invited, goons are also people, but they’re not invited. Lastly is that this memory has to be national."

Regarded as the enigma of Kenyan politics, Raila was a central figure in the country's democratic journey. 

He maintained a formidable reputation in politics, being one of Kenya's tough opposition leaders and left a striking legacy in leadership.

He spent his early years in politics in jail and in exile, fighting for democracy during the autocratic rule of former President Daniel Arap Moi.

He entered Parliament in 1992 and ran unsuccessfully for the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022, claiming to have been cheated of victory in the previous four elections.

He died on October 15, 2025, while being part of the broad-based government, a partnership with President Ruto to streamline leadership and service delivery.