ODM Sets October 2 for Nationwide Tribute to Late Raila Odinga

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has designated October 2 as a special day for Kenyans to honour and remember its late party leader, Raila Odinga, nearly a year after his death.

Odinga died on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was laid to rest four days later, on October 19, at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral.

ODM Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo has called on Kenyans across the country to mark October 2 by lighting candles wherever they will be and observing several minutes of silence in memory of the veteran politician.

The party says October will also feature a series of meetings and activities aimed at celebrating Odinga’s political journey, his contribution to the country, and the legacy he left behind.

"We want October to be a month of remembering and celebrating the life and legacy of our party leader, the late Raila Odinga. On October 2, we are calling upon Kenyans wherever they are to light a candle and observe a few minutes of silence in his honour. Throughout the month, we will have various activities and engagements that will remind Kenyans of his contribution to our country and the values he stood for.” ~ SG Catherine Omanyo

Meanwhile, Omanyo has reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government, saying the party is following the political direction left by the late Odinga.

She has also criticised some leaders who were previously associated with ODM but have since aligned themselves with the opposition, urging them to respect the party’s position and direction.

"ODM remains committed to the broad-based government because that is the position that our late leader left us with. Those who were in ODM and have chosen to work with the opposition should respect the position and direction of the party. You can not claim to belong to ODM while at the same time acting against the decisions and direction of the party.” ~ SG Catherine Omanyo