The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the family of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga have clashed publicly over plans to mark his first death anniversary in October.
The family, in a statement on Sunday, said the anniversary “belongs to neither an individual nor an institution”, days after ODM announced an elaborate month-long programme of memorialrallies across the country.
Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The statement was shared on social media by Mr Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga , and his sister, Ruth Odinga, who is also the Kisumu Woman Rep.
Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga during an interview with the Daily Nation in Nairobi on May 22, 2026.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
Winnie and Ruth have remained critical of how ODM is being run since Raila’s death, with the two accusing some senior party officials of running down the outfit.
The Nation reached out to Ruth, who is in London with her elder brother and ODM leader, Oburu Oginga, to establish whether the family had a problem with ODM’s schedule and programme. She declined to comment and referred the Nation to Winnie.
On Monday evening, Winnie downplayed any form of conflict between the party and the family.
She told the Nation that the decision by the family to pick Prof Oloo to coordinate the program was meant to avert any form of gatekeeping that would have locked some people from participating in the anniversary.
"I don't think there's any conflict. There cannot be a fight over the anniversary," she said.
She said the idea to have a coordinated event was to ensure an inclusive event that would bring both political allies and foes of the late premier.
"We don't want it to be a day of gatekeeping because people did not get enough time to mourn him," she said.
Winnie Odinga speaks during the ODM party's Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre, in Nairobi, on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Ruth had earlier labelled some unnamed party officials as “vultures” seeking to exploit the anniversary for personal gain.
“We are heading for 15th October and already vultures of ODM cups and tents are now planning ...Raila was an enigma!! Wacheni upuzi!!! (stop the nonsense),” said the Kisumu Woman Rep.
The family said it had appointed Prof Adams Oloo to chair a committee coordinating commemorative activities.
“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba – to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him,” the family said.
“The committee is currently developing the programme, which the family will announce in good time. Anyone who wishes to participate, support or organise any activity as part of the anniversary commemoration is kindly requested to do so through the committee.”
ODM last week announced political rallies to mark its founding leader’s anniversary and energise its base ahead of the 2027 elections.
The memorial rallies will be held in Siaya, Kakamega, Garissa, Mombasa, Kajiado, Turkana and Nairobi, areas that have traditionally backed Mr Odinga.
Raila Junior addresses guests during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on July 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“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 from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia 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, India.
The party will hold another rally in Garissa on October 17, followed by a two-day political event in Mombasa on October 18 and 19. Similar events are planned for Kajiado on October 21 and Turkana from October 23 to 25, before the party converges in Nairobi on October 31.
ODM has dedicated October as “Mwezi wa Baba ” in recognition of Mr Odinga’s contribution to democracy and Pan-Africanism.
The party is also pushing for issues associated with his political legacy to be included in the 2027 manifesto under its pre-election coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.
These include strengthening devolution, equitable sharing of national resources, social security, the fight against corruption, quality education and affordable healthcare.
ODM co-deputy leader Simba Arati said the party would increase its demands as its role in Dr Ruto’s re-election bid becomes clearer.
