The first anniversary of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s death was meant to unite allies and rivals in his honour. Instead, Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, became a stage for the contest over his legacy.
In the days leading to Thursday's commemoration, parallel programmes, competing loyalties and disputes over the guest list had exposed divisions in the Odinga family, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broad-based government.
At the centre was Odinga’s widow, Ida, whose decision to welcome opposition leaders to the family’s Opoda Farm before the public ceremony signalled the anniversary would not be an exclusive ODM affair.
Ida Odinga: Baba (Raila) belonged to everyone
The occasion also became a platform for members of the family to signal their ambitions, with some hinting at abandoning ODM.
The Linda Mwananchi brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, was received at Opoda before proceeding to Migwena.
For ODM, the reception of leaders associated with the opposition raised a tough question about who has authority to define Odinga’s legacy.
Tension had been building for weeks as the family and ODM pursued separate programmes. The family established the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo and deputised by Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, to coordinate national commemorations.
ODM launched month-long Mwezi wa Baba celebrations, with activities countrywide. The grounds were charged with anticipation as supporters of rival political camps began arriving as early as 5am.
At some point, the proceedings descended into chaos when youths clashed and crowded the VIP tent. Appeals by the MC for the youths to leave fell on deaf ears.
The political undercurrents had emerged on the eve of the event but intensified yesterday morning as locals braced themselves for a showdown between President Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. The two skipped the event.
In what appeared to be a direct response to Ruth Odinga, who had hinted at leaving the party, ODM Deputy Leader Simba Arati said those contemplating an exit were free to do so.
Winnie Odinga addresses the gathering during the first anniversary commemoration of the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“We ask you to remain but if you have decided to go, go away because we know you have been bought. ODM remains strong in this region,” the Kisii governor said.
The sentiments were echoed by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, who said Odinga’s supporters are safe under President William Ruto.
“President Ruto has given this region development. The opposition will have a difficult time in removing him. Nyanza remains an ODM zone,” Mr Wandayi said.
However, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Mr Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the best way to honour Odinga was to pursue the path they said he had championed by seeking to remove President Ruto in 2027.
“Politics is persuasion, not dictatorship. Baba taught us to put citizens first whenever we make decisions,” Senator Sifuna said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (centre) arrives at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, for the first anniversary commemoration of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on October 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“They are talking of two terms yet the unemployment rate is high. This team will form the next government,” he said.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, deputy leader Abdulsamad Nassir, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and other national leaders were absent.
Party insiders said some officials were unhappy with a programme “tilted towards opposition figures”.
ODM insiders recalled that during the unveiling of the mausoleum last week, some party officials protested their treatment.
Mr Orengo’s presence carried significance beyond his position as host governor. His association with Linda Mwananchi placed him among the opposition figures who received a rousing welcome, while ODM’s representation was thinner than expected.
Government sources indicated that President Ruto withdrew from the event after it became clear that opposition leaders would play a prominent role.
His decision was striking because the government supported Odinga’s state funeral and the construction of his mausoleum in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
The President also appointed Ida Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative in the Foreign Service in February 2026.
The absence of Senator Oburu Oginga, the family spokesman, loomed large. The family was repeatedly asked to explain why he was missing.
Ida Odinga: Oburu is unwell, but not seriously ill; he is alive
“We lost Raila and his sister. It has been heavy in our hearts. I have come as a widow, mother, grandmother and daughter of the soil. As a family we still hoped to hear his steps as he came home. Unfortunately, he won’t come,” she said.
Ms Odinga recalled entrusting her husband to the country during the Azimio la Umoja convention in Kasarani on December 10, 2021.
She defended the decision to open the celebrations to everyone, saying Odinga’s legacy transcends party politics.
The anniversary provided a platform for members of the Odinga family to outline their ambitions, with daughter Winnie declaring her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, while Raila Junior appealed for support for his bid to represent Kibra in the National Assembly.
“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna seeks other offices, I will contest the Nairobi Senate seat. I am going with young people,” she said.
Raila Junior promised to continue his father’s work in Kibra, saying Odinga’s politics centred on ordinary people.
Raila Odinga Junior addresses supporters during the first anniversary commemoration of the death of his father, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“Baba loved everyone and Kibra. I also do. I remember the many things he taught us, the biggest being to stand for what is right and defend the weak,” he said.
“His politics was not about power but ordinary people, carrying their hopes. We remember him most for the love he had for Kenya.”
The event also attracted former Chief Justice David Maraga, People’s Liberation Party boss Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi and others.
