ODM sets October 2 for nationwide candle-lighting tribute to Raila

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Chairperson Gladys Wanga has announced October 2 as the date for a nationwide candle-lighting tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 30, the Homa Bay Governor said the candle-lighting tribute would commence at 6 pm in several parts of the country, with all Kenyans urged to participate.

“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.

Wanga said the October 2 candle-lighting would allow Kenyans to collectively remember the man widely known as Baba, with the tribute expected to be observed both locally and abroad.

“Declaring October ‘Mwezi wa Baba,’ Wanga said grief is not the end of a story but the beginning of remembrance, urging Kenyans everywhere to unite in one moment of reflection,” she added.

Raila died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He suffered a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kochi, where he was pronounced dead.

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His death marked the end of a political career spanning decades, during which he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and became one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

Raila’s death also left ODM facing the challenge of reorganising its leadership and political direction without its founding figure, who had been central to the party since its formation.

In the wake of the anniversary of is death, ODM, in September announced a month-long programme to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of its founder, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The party has dedicated the entire month of October 2026 to honouring Raila, with supporters expected to participate in a series of activities planned across the country.

Raila’s family also appointed a committee, led by Professor Adams Oloo, the long-serving political advisor to the former prime minister, to lead the events of his commemoration.

Following his death, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother, assumed the role of acting ODM leader as the party sought to manage the transition and avoid an internal leadership vacuum.

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