Raila's family promises an 'all inclusive' first anniversary

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader died on October 15, 2025, in the Indian city of Kochi, where he was receiving treatment for an undisclosed condition.

His family now says that it has constituted a committee chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo to coordinate commemorative activities that will allow his supporters to mourn and celebrate him.

"We also understand that, in the days following his passing, many of Baba's people did not get the opportunity to mourn him in the way they would have wished. Many did not get the chance to say goodbye," read a statement from the Raila Odinga secretariat.

"We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba — to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him."

The Prof. Oloo-led committee is currently developing a programme, which the family says will be announced in apt time. 

Those wishing to support or organise any activity have been requested to approach the committee to ensure proper coordination.

"We want to assure everyone: Baba's people will not be left behind," the Secretariat added.

"There will be room for those who walked with him — from every community, every generation, every pan of the country and every chapter of his life."

The family has however asked for patience as it finalizes necessary arrangements.

Raila was Kenya's political heavyweight, having been a bastion of democracy since joining politics in the early 90s.

He maintained a formidable reputation in politics, being one of Kenya's tough opposition leaders on Kenya's soil 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 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 last four elections.

He died while being part of the broad-based government, a partnership with President William Ruto to streamline leadership and service delivery in Kenya.