Kisumu youth, elders forum heeds Raila’s call as plans in top gear for Bondo event
Historical photographs documenting the political journey of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga adorn the walls inside his mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 11, 2026. The displays chronicle his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic development.
Through poetry, music, prayers, heartfelt tributes from the youth and wise counsel from elders, Kisumu residents have heeded the late Raila Odinga’s final call for intergenerational dialogue on the pressing social, political and economic issues facing society.
The engagement, held at the historic Ofafa Memorial Hall, is part of a three-day programme of activities commemorating Mr Odinga’s life and legacy ahead of the first anniversary of his death on Thursday.
According to Prof Adams Oloo, Chairman of the National Steering Committee for the Raila Odinga anniversary, it was fitting that the week’s activities began where Mr Odinga’s story began: among the elders who knew him best and the young people inspired by his courage, patriotism and sacrifices.
The gathering was enlivened by poetry and musical performances from young people across the region, reflecting on the former Prime Minister’s struggles, the people he championed, his aspirations and the legacy he left behind.
Luo Council of Elders chair Ker Odungi Randa.
Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, Ker Odungi Randa, took the young people through Luo traditions, highlighting how the erosion of traditional structures had weakened the guidance and mentorship once offered to younger generations.
“We no longer have the traditional structures that existed in homes, such as Siwindhe, which taught young women about marriage. Young men used to learn from Duol, which guided them on their roles in the family and community. These structures have now been rendered obsolete, and that is why we have such engagements to guide you,” Mr Randa said.
He urged young people to maintain peace and refrain from using mobile phones to insult leaders, warning that such behaviour could put them at risk.
The conclave offered a rare opportunity for residents to reflect on the post-Raila transition, underscoring the importance of peace, dialogue, tolerance and public participation in shaping the country’s future.
Mr Randa called for unity within the Luo community, urging members to end internal wrangles, particularly among those serving in government.
He also appealed to Nyanza residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome President William Ruto on October 15 during the anniversary celebrations at Migwena in Bondo.
The discussions sought to illuminate the former Orange Democratic Movement leader’s deep bond with the community that raised him and the immense contribution he made to Kenya’s national development.
Victoria Adwet, a young woman representing the youth, highlighted the growing disconnect between generations, attributing it partly to the limited opportunities for young people to interact with Luo traditions.
“Young people are born and immersed in the world of social media. We rarely have such forums within our families or in public to learn about our culture and traditions. This continues to create distance and misunderstanding between the two generations,” Ms Adwet said.
She called for closer collaboration between the generations, arguing that the wisdom of elders and the knowledge of young people could complement each other and help bridge the divide.
“Let us use social media, where many young people are, to make an impact. These cultural events, too, should be youth friendly to capture their interest,” she said.
Jimmy Magero, another youth representative, challenged elders to establish mentorship structures at the grassroots level to teach young people about their traditions and cultural heritage.
The young people also proposed the establishment of a Luo Youth Council to provide a formal platform through which they could engage with elders and participate in community affairs.
Former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga.
Religious leaders called for greater understanding between the older and younger generations, while emphasising that young people would not tolerate corruption and a lack of transparency.
“Now that Raila has died, our young people will demand transparency, an end to corruption, and free and fair party nominations because this is what Raila stood for. The first conclave must be with leaders who fuel bad vices,” said Bishop Joseph Ouko of the Evangelical Youth Alliance, Nyanza.
Lillian Otondi, widow of the former Ker Willis Otondi, acknowledged that mothers and older women had not done enough to guide younger women through the challenges of family life and relationships.
“We have failed in our work as women because we have been focusing too much on ourselves and our work. I am asking mothers to return to our traditions and teach our girls how to take care of themselves, nurture their marriages and raise their children so that we can stop the many cases of violence being witnessed in homes today,” Ms Otondi said.
She called for stronger mentorship and support for women seeking leadership positions in politics, employment and the Luo Council of Elders.
Ms Otondi also challenged women to step forward and contest elective positions in the 2027 General Election.
On Wednesday, October 14, the world will light up in honour of Mr Odinga, with an international candle-lighting ceremony scheduled for Kang’o from 6pm, led by Mama Ida Odinga.
“We are calling on every Kenyan, and every friend of Raila Odinga wherever they are in the world, to light a candle at that hour. In homes, in churches, in mosques and in diaspora gatherings, from London to Lagos, from Minnesota to Mombasa, let a single flame become a million flames,” Prof Oloo said.
Alongside the commemorative activities, university, college and polytechnic students will participate in blood donation drives in Kisumu, reflecting the spirit of selflessness associated with the late leader.
Prof Oloo said the candles would symbolise a shared act of remembrance, unity and reflection, with a message that transcends national borders.
The week’s activities will culminate in the main memorial anniversary on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, beginning at 7am.
The occasion is expected to attract prominent national leaders, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi, among them Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, who are expected to share the podium.
Family members, community representatives, political leaders, invited guests and members of the public are expected to gather in the thousands to mark one year since Mr Odinga’s passing.
“It will be a celebration worthy of the man. Musicians from across the country and beyond will take to the stage to honour him in song because Raila Odinga loved the people, and the people loved him back,” Prof Oloo said.
At Migwena, remembrance will go beyond mourning, offering Kenyans an opportunity to retrace the journey of a man whose life was intertwined with the country’s political struggles, hopes and aspirations.
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