Mama Ida Odinga has appointed a national steering committee to coordinate events marking the first anniversary of the death of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The committee, announced at a press briefing at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on Thursday, will oversee a week of commemorative activities planned for October 10 to 17. Ida said the programme would give Kenyans an opportunity to remember and celebrate Raila’s life.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo, with Rarieda MP Dr Otiende Amollo serving as deputy chair. It brings together representatives from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Odinga family.
Among those present at the briefing were Raila Odinga Jr, nominated Senator Crystal Asige and former Attorney General Amos Wako.
Ida said the anniversary would be open to Raila’s supporters across the country.
“This celebration does not belong to the committee; it belongs to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome,” she said.
She said the family understood that many Kenyans did not get the opportunity to mourn Raila in the way they had hoped after his death.
“This week is an opportunity to come together to participate, remember and celebrate the life of Raila Odinga,” she said.
Ida said the committee would publish a full calendar of events and details on how individuals, communities and organisations could take part.
She also said the celebrations would reflect some of the things Raila enjoyed in life, including sport, music, debate and interaction with the public.
“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,” Ida said.
Prof. Oloo said the commemorations would remain family-led, with any partnerships receiving the family’s approval. He also called for the remembrance of Raila to be national in character.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, in India, aged 80, after a long career in Kenyan politics. His death was followed by a state funeral and widespread mourning across the country.
He entered Parliament in 1992 and later contested the presidency in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022. He remained a major figure in Kenya’s opposition politics and was involved in several of the country’s political transitions.
The first anniversary comes as Raila’s political legacy continues to feature prominently in national debate. President William Ruto has also recently spoken publicly about Raila’s contribution to Kenya and said his legacy should continue to be honoured.
The steering committee is expected to release the detailed anniversary programme ahead of the October commemorations.
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