The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has declared October 2026 as “Mwezi wa Baba”, dedicating the entire month to commemorating the first anniversary of the death of the party’s founder and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

According to a programme released by the party, the month-long commemoration will feature activities across the country, beginning with a candle-lighting ceremony on October 2. A major rally is scheduled for Kakamega on October 9, alongside family-led activities and other remembrance events.

The programme will culminate in memorial rallies in Garissa, the Coast region and Nairobi on October 31.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. His death marked the end of more than four decades at the centre of Kenya’s political life.

From his early opposition to one-party rule, periods of detention and his role in the push for multiparty democracy, Raila became one of the country’s most influential political figures.

He later served as an MP, Cabinet minister and Kenya’s second Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. He also played a major role in the political negotiations that followed the disputed 2007 election and in the push for constitutional reforms culminating in the 2010 Constitution.

Known widely as “Baba,” Raila unsuccessfully contested the presidency five times but remained a powerful opposition figure with a nationwide political following. His influence extended beyond Kenya, including his tenure as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development.

For ODM, the anniversary comes at a critical moment as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party says the commemorations will also provide an opportunity to reconnect with its supporters, rebuild its grassroots structures and mobilise its base ahead of the polls.

The “Mwezi wa Baba” programme therefore combines remembrance of Raila’s political legacy with ODM’s efforts to strengthen its support base and preserve his influence in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

                                                                                                                   APERIT FM, HII NI YETU