Raila Odinga's Family Forms Committee for First Death Anniversary Commemorations

One year after Kenya lost Raila Amolo Odinga — the opposition titan who shaped the country's politics for more than three decades — his family has taken the lead in organising what they describe as a people's commemoration, deliberately stepping around the Orange Democratic Movement's own plans for the anniversary month.

Raila Junior, who formally endorsed President Ruto's second-term bid in a statement that shocked many Odinga loyalists, confirmed on Monday that a family coordination committee has been constituted. "Our father belonged to the people. He was not the property of any party or faction. These commemorations should reflect that truth," he said.

ODM, meanwhile, had dedicated the entire month of October to celebrating its founder and long-term leader through a series of regional events. Party insiders told Infinity254 Media there is underlying tension about who gets to define the Odinga legacy — a tension that will inevitably play into the 2027 succession dynamics within Luo Nyanza.

President Ruto, who served alongside Raila in the Broad-Based Government before the latter's death, promised during a church service in Nyanza on Sunday that he would protect Raila's legacy and ensure his contributions to Kenya are remembered. "Raila was a patriot. His vision was one of inclusion and justice. We carry that forward," Ruto said, drawing applause from a crowd that included senior Luo politicians.

For many Kenyans who marched with Raila through decades of opposition, tear gas and state crackdowns, October will be a month of genuine reflection. Planned activities include public lectures, photo exhibitions and a major memorial walk in Kisumu — the city that was always the heartbeat of Odinga's political support.