Raila family to lead official candle lighting ceremony despite ODM's nationwide exercise
The family of the late Raila Odinga will lead an official candle-lighting ceremony for his first death anniversary, signaling a shift away from the ODM party's planned nationwide events. The family emphasizes an inclusive, family-led approach to the commemorations.
Why it matters
Reflects internal political dynamics and the struggle for control over the legacy of a prominent political figure.
The National Steering Committee on the late Raila Odinga's First Anniversary Commemoration announced yesterday that his family will lead the official candle-lighting ceremony in honour of the late former prime minister on October 14, 2026, at his family home in Kang'o Ka'Jaramogi. The committee, through its vice chairman, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rarieda, Otiende Amolo, made the announcement at Kang'o Ka'Jaramogi during a meeting to finalise the preparations for a state ceremony to officially open and hand over Raila Odinga's mausoleum, which has been under construction in Kang'o. Otiende's announcement, in the presence of the late Odinga's widow, Ida Odinga and eldest daughter, Rosemary Odinga, came amid intense preparations by the ODM party to light candles across the country in honour of its late founding leader.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in