Ida Odinga condemns politicians' conduct at Raila's anniversary

Mama Ida Odinga has issued a strong statement condemning politicians for transforming the first anniversary memorial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga into a political battleground.

The memorial, which took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, was marred by chaos, shouting, and the heckling of invited dignitaries.

The first anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death has sparked heated debate online, with Mama Ida Odinga breaking her silence amid vicious attacks targeting her and other members of the Odinga family.

Notably, several ODM politicians supporting President William Ruto’s re-election gave the event a wide berth, with Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed publicly declaring that he skipped the memorial after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was invited.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, his mining counterpart Hassan Joho, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who were close allies of Raila Odinga, all skipped the event.

The Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, attended the event.

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Delving into how invitations were made, Mama Ida clarified that the family decided to celebrate the veteran politician in a manner that reflected his life, political beliefs and enduring legacy.

“Raila built friendships, encountered disagreements and found reconciliation with people across the political divide. Our invitations to the memorial reflected that lifetime of relationships. The Odinga family has no quarrel with any of them,” she explained.

She added that political rivalries and the settling of political scores have no place in the former Prime Minister’s final resting place.

The Raila I knew understood the importance of reconciliation… His resting place must never become a battleground for political rivalries. Neither should our family’s grief be turned into an occasion for settling political scores.

The event which was held at Migwena Cultural Centre on October 15, 2026 received praise and criticism in equal measure with some bloggers going on the offensive, targeting the former Prime Minister’s family.

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