Editorial illustration of Kenyans holding candles at a memorial gathering for Raila Odinga in Nairobi.

Kenyans to Hold Candle-Lighting Ceremonies in Memory of Raila Odinga Today

October 2, 2026 Kelvin Kibet

Kenyans are expected to gather in Nairobi and other parts of the country on Friday, October 2, 2026, for candle-lighting ceremonies in memory of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as activities marking the first anniversary of his death begin.

In Nairobi, the main gathering is scheduled for Uhuru Park, where activities are expected to begin from 3pm before a nationwide candle-lighting at 6pm. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also announced a separate gathering at Jacaranda Grounds for residents of Eastlands and surrounding areas who may not be able to attend the Uhuru Park event.

Babu Owino said the Jacaranda ceremony was intended to give supporters another place to remember the former Prime Minister, while organisers have also encouraged Kenyans in other parts of the country to light candles wherever they are.

Candle-lighting events planned across the country

ODM has invited Kenyans to participate in the remembrance by lighting candles at 6pm. Besides Nairobi, designated gatherings have been announced in other towns as part of a broader programme of remembrance.

The October 2 ceremonies are among several events planned ahead of October 15, which will mark one year since Raila died while receiving medical treatment in India. He was 80.

Raila’s family has separate memorial programme

Raila’s family and the Raila Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee are also coordinating remembrance activities outside the formal ODM programme.

The committee has announced that Ida Odinga will lead a candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 8. The committee has also warned members of the public against unauthorised fundraising in the family’s name during the memorial period.

The existence of both party-led and family-led programmes reflects the different groups organising activities around the anniversary, with several gatherings expected throughout October.

Who was Raila Odinga?

Raila served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and previously held senior government positions, including Cabinet portfolios in Energy, Roads, Public Works and Housing. He also served as Member of Parliament for Lang’ata for four consecutive terms from 1992 to 2013.

Parliamentary tributes following his death highlighted his role in Kenya’s transition to multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and the political negotiations that produced the 2008 Grand Coalition Government. Those assessments reflect the views formally recorded by lawmakers during parliamentary memorial proceedings.

Raila remained one of the country’s most prominent political figures for decades, serving at different times in government and opposition and playing a major role in national political debates.

Uhuru Park event to run into the evening

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, commonly known as Jalang’o, earlier announced that the Uhuru Park programme would begin at 3pm and continue into the evening, with the candle-lighting scheduled for 6pm.

The event is expected to bring together supporters, political leaders and members of the public. Organisers have described the gathering as a memorial event rather than a conventional political rally.

Jacaranda Grounds to host Eastlands gathering

Babu Owino said Jacaranda Grounds would provide an alternative venue for residents of Embakasi East and other parts of Eastlands.

Jacaranda has hosted numerous political gatherings over the years and is closely associated with some of Raila’s past campaign and opposition activities. Babu said that history was part of the reason for choosing the venue.

Month-long programme continues after today

The October programme is expected to continue after the candle-lighting ceremonies.

ODM’s published schedule includes events in several parts of the country before a final Nairobi event at the end of the month. Separately, Raila’s family-led committee has outlined its own programme around Bondo and the anniversary date.

What participants should know

Those planning to attend should follow official announcements from organisers and relevant local authorities for any changes involving access, transport, security or event timing.

Members of the public who do not attend organised gatherings have also been invited by organisers to participate privately by lighting a candle at 6pm.

Because several different organisations are coordinating memorial activities, readers should verify event details from official organisers rather than relying solely on forwarded social-media posts.

Why the anniversary remains politically significant

The anniversary comes at a time when ODM and other political actors continue to debate Raila’s political legacy and the future direction of the movement he led for many years.

Those discussions are political and contested, and different leaders have offered different interpretations of his legacy and its implications for Kenya’s future. The memorial events themselves, however, are being presented by organisers primarily as occasions for remembrance.

Raila’s death in October 2025 was followed by national mourning, a state funeral and burial at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County.

Sources

Daily Report KE will update this article if organisers announce changes to the programme or additional memorial events.

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