ODM to Light Candles Nationwide on October 2 for Raila Odinga

Orange Democratic Movement Chairperson Gladys Wanga announced October 2 as the date for a nationwide candle-lighting tribute. The Homa Bay Governor said the candle-lighting tribute would commence at 6 pm across several parts of Kenya.

Wanga urged all Kenyans to participate in the tribute wherever they may be located. "Stop and light a single candle, whether at home, work, school, or on the road," Wanga stated.

Grief Marks Beginning of Remembrance
Wanga emphasized that grief is not the end of a story but the beginning of remembrance. The October 2 candle-lighting would allow Kenyans to collectively remember the man widely known as Baba.

ODM declared October "Mwezi wa Baba" in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The tribute is expected to be observed both locally and abroad by supporters and well-wishers.

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

Decades-Long Political Career Ended
Raila's death marked the end of a political career spanning decades across Kenya's history. He served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and became one of Kenya's most influential political figures.

Raila's death left ODM facing the challenge of reorganising its leadership without its founding figure. The former PM had been central to the party since its formation as the core political force.

ODM announced a month-long programme in September to commemorate the first anniversary of Raila's death. The party dedicated the entire month of October 2026 to honouring Raila with nationwide activities.

Family Committee Leads Events
Raila's family appointed a committee led by Professor Adams Oloo to coordinate commemoration events. Oloo, the long-serving political advisor to the former Prime Minister, chairs the anniversary activities.

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila's elder brother, assumed the role of acting ODM leader after his death. Oburu was later formally confirmed as ODM party leader at a Special Delegates Convention.

Leadership changes within ODM were followed by disagreements among party officials over its political direction. The divisions included disagreements over ODM's cooperation with President William Ruto's broad-based government arrangement.

Opposition Faction Maintains Separate Position
One ODM faction supports the broad-based government arrangement with President Ruto's administration. Another faction has maintained an opposition position independent of the national government structure.