Beyond the commemoration, the outfit seeks to use the month-long political activities to mobilise support for President William Ruto’s re-election. Some of the events will be graced by President Ruto, the Nation has established.
It has emerged that the nationwide memorial rallies are designed to set the stage for the signing of a pre-coalition agreement between ODM of Dr Oburu Oginga and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The rallies will be held in Siaya, Kakamega, Garissa, Mombasa, Kajiado, Turkana and finally in Nairobi, regions that have traditionally backed Mr Odinga in his years of active politics.
“From Bondo to Garissa, from Kakamega to Nairobi and all over Kenya, we will honour the man who taught us that power belongs to the people,” ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said.
On October 9, ODM supporters drawn from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties will converge in Kakamega town for a major memorial rally.
This will be followed by family-led activities at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo from October 10 to 15. Mr Odinga died on October 15 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Kochi in India.
The party will on October 17 hold a similar memorial rally in Garissa town. Apart from top party officials, the event will bring together members and supporters drawn from Northern Kenya counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit.
Coastal counties of Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River will also have a two-day political jamboree in commemoration of the veteran politician, running from October 18 to 19.
President William Ruto at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Kisumu during his Nyanza tour on September 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
The Orange brigade will hold similar events in Kajiado on October 21 and Turkana on 23rd to 25th, before converging at the capital city on October 31.
“In recognition of his tireless contribution to our country’s democracy and his Pan-Africanism, the party is dedicating the month of October as MWEZI WA BABA,” ODM said on Thursday.
The outfit is already pushing for the inclusion of issues that have been at the heart of Mr Odinga’s political life in the 2027 manifesto by President Ruto.
Raila was associated with the struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform, the fight for human rights, as well as devolution of power and resources.
The party has said it is pushing for inclusivity in public affairs, strengthening of devolution and equitable sharing of national wealth.
The party further wants the manifesto to capture social security for the poor and vulnerable, fight against corruption, access to quality education and access to affordable and quality healthcare.
“Raila believed in decent and affordable housing as a right, particularly for the poor. That is why he championed slum upgrading under the grand coalition government,” Governor Wanga said.
President William Ruto speaks during a prayer service at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Kisumu on September 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“We continue pushing for that, which is why we support the President's Affordable Housing plan. We will ensure the access to and distribution of these houses is fair, transparent, and credible, in line with the wishes of Raila.”
ODM is also staking a claim to at least half of the government, including the Deputy President’s position, should Dr Ruto secure a second term.
ODM co-deputy party leader Simba Arati said on Tuesday that the party would raise its demands even further as it becomes increasingly evident that ODM will play a major role in Dr Ruto’s re-election bid.
Governor Arati said ODM is a strong party and should only enter into a political arrangement where it is guaranteed fair representation.
“There are no other stories because in the next government we have to get half of all positions. The way I’m looking at things in the unfolding political arrangement, ODM will get even more than half. We are very serious,” said Mr Arati.
The jostling for the second-in-command has gained currency following the perceived drifting away of the populous Mt Kenya.
With Mt Kenya – a key plank in Dr Ruto’s 2022 election – appearing to be drifting, the President’s political think tank is likely to go back to the drawing board in crafting a winning ticket. The new strategy could include replacing Prof Kithure Kindiki with another politician with the potential of delivering a new voting bloc to ensure Kenya Kwanza secures a second term in office.
