The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has unveiled a month-long programme to commemorate the life and legacy of its founder, the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The party has designated October 2026 as “Mwezi wa Baba”, with a series of memorial activities planned across the country to honour Raila, one year after his death.
In a statement issued from Chungwa House in Nairobi on Thursday, September 10, 2026, ODM said the month would celebrate Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy, his Pan-African ideals and his long political journey.
“October marks one year since the demise of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. It was a tearful moment; we were all heartbroken,” the party said.
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“God plucked the best flower from our midst,” ODM added.
Series of celebrations
The celebrations will kick off on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony at 6:00 pm. ODM is calling on Kenyans to light candles either individually or in organised groups in remembrance of Raila, popularly known as Baba.
The party will then hold a major memorial rally in Kakamega Town on October 9, bringing together ODM supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
From October 10 to 15, the programme will shift to family-led memorial activities, culminating in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.
ODM will later take the commemoration to Northern Kenya, with a memorial rally planned for Garissa Town on October 17. The event will bring together supporters from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
The Coastal region will host memorial activities on October 18 and 19, followed by Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
The party has also scheduled memorial activities in Kajiado County on October 21, before moving to Turkana County from October 23 to 25.
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The month-long programme will culminate with a major “Mwezi wa Baba” memorial rally in Nairobi on October 31.
ODM said the activities are intended not only to remember Raila but also to encourage his supporters to remain committed to the ideals he championed during his political career.
“We urge all our supporters to rededicate their commitment to BABA’S ideals,” the party said.
Raila died in October 2025 while undergoing treatment in India, bringing to an end a decades-long political career that saw him serve as Kenya’s Prime Minister and become one of the country’s most influential opposition leaders.
His death triggered widespread mourning across Kenya, with political leaders and citizens paying tribute to his role in the country’s multiparty democracy and constitutional reforms.
The October programme is therefore expected to provide ODM supporters with an opportunity to reflect on his political legacy while reaffirming their commitment to the principles associated with his movement.
