The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set October 2 as the date for a nationwide candle-lighting tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga said the tribute will take place from 6pm, with Kenyans expected to light candles wherever they will be at the time.
Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay Governor, urged Kenyans at home, work, school or on the road to take part in the tribute.
“On October 2, wherever you may be, either at home, at work, at school, or on the road, stop and light a single candle. Grief is not the end of a story but the beginning of remembrance,” Wanga said.
She said the candle-lighting would give Kenyans an opportunity to remember Raila, popularly known as Baba. The tribute is expected to be held both in Kenya and abroad.
Wanga has also declared October as “Mwezi wa Baba” as ODM begins activities to mark one year since Raila’s death.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving treatment in Kochi, India. He died after suffering a cardiac arrest at the hospital.
His death brought an end to a political career that spanned several decades. Raila served as Kenya’s Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and remained a major figure in the country’s politics for many years.
ODM announced in September that it would dedicate the entire month of October 2026 to activities marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Raila’s family has also formed a committee led by Professor Adams Oloo to coordinate the events planned to commemorate his death.
After Raila’s death, his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, took over as acting ODM leader as the party began the process of managing the leadership transition.
Oburu was later confirmed as ODM party leader during a Special Delegates Convention, while Wanga retained her position as national chairperson.
The changes have since been followed by disagreements within the party, particularly over its political direction and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
Some ODM leaders have supported the broad-based government arrangement, while others have maintained that the party should remain in the opposition.
