The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is preparing a series of activities in October 2026 to commemorate the late former Prime Minister and long-serving party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, one year after his death. The planned events are expected to bring together ODM officials, political leaders, Raila's family, supporters and members of the public to remember his contribution to Kenya's political development, democracy and reform movement.

According to information emerging from ODM-linked communications, memorial activities are expected to take place in the coastal region between October 18 and 19, 2026, while October 20, Mashujaa Day, will also form part of the period of remembrance. 

Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical attention in India, aged 80. His death triggered an enormous national outpouring of grief, with thousands of Kenyans gathering in different parts of the country to pay tribute to a politician who had been a major figure in Kenyan public life for decades. 

 *ODM prepares to remember Raila* 

The October 2026 activities are significant because they will mark the first anniversary of Raila's death. For ODM, the occasion is expected to be more than simply a remembrance of its former party leader. It will provide an opportunity for the party to reflect on Raila's political legacy and the ideals that he promoted throughout his career.

Raila was the dominant figure in ODM for many years. He led the party through several presidential election cycles and became closely associated with issues including multiparty democracy, constitutional reform, electoral justice, devolution and political accountability.

Following his death, ODM entered a new chapter under the leadership of his elder brother, Oburu Oginga, who took over the party's leadership. Available background information indicates that Oburu was initially appointed acting party leader following Raila's death and was subsequently elected to the position in March 2026. 

The anniversary therefore comes at an important moment for ODM as the party seeks to preserve its identity while operating without the politician who had been at its centre for many years.

Memorial activities in the coastal region

One of the key details emerging from the plans is that ODM intends to conduct memorial activities in Kenya's coastal region on October 18 and 19.

The coastal events are expected to provide an opportunity for ODM supporters and other Kenyans to remember Raila away from his traditional political strongholds in western Kenya and Nyanza.

The information currently available indicates that October 18 and 19 will be dedicated to memorial activities in the coastal region. 

Further details regarding individual venues, programmes, speakers and the exact schedule of activities may be announced by ODM and the organising committees as the anniversary approaches.

The choice of the coast could also underline the national character of Raila's political legacy. Throughout his career, Raila built political relationships across different Kenyan communities and regions, and his supporters often portrayed him as a national political figure rather than a leader confined to one region.

October 20 and Mashujaa Day

Another important date in the planned programme is October 20, 2026, which is Kenya's Mashujaa Day.

Mashujaa Day is a national holiday dedicated to honouring people who have contributed to Kenya's history and development. Its connection to the Raila memorial period is particularly significant because Raila spent much of his political life associated with struggles for political and constitutional reforms.

Information shared about the ODM programme indicates that October 20 will also be part of the period of remembrance. 

This could give the anniversary a wider national dimension, with Raila's contribution being discussed alongside the broader history of Kenya's independence, democracy and political transformation.

Raila's political legacy

Raila Odinga's political career stretched over several decades. He became one of Kenya's most influential opposition leaders and later served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 under the coalition government formed after the disputed 2007 presidential election.

He was also a central figure in Kenya's constitutional reform debates. His supporters have frequently credited him with helping push the country toward political reforms and greater democratic participation.

The 2010 Constitution introduced major changes to Kenya's governance structure, including devolution and a strengthened system of checks and balances. Raila's political career was closely connected to the reform politics that preceded and followed the adoption of the Constitution.

His supporters also remember his repeated presidential campaigns and his ability to mobilise large numbers of Kenyans.

A difficult first anniversary

The first anniversary of Raila's death is expected to carry strong emotional significance for his family, ODM members and millions of his supporters.

His death in October 2025 came after decades during which he had remained one of the most recognisable political figures in Kenya. The reaction to his death demonstrated the depth of his influence.

When his body arrived in Kenya, large crowds gathered to receive him. His public viewing also attracted huge numbers of mourners. The crowds became so large that authorities moved the public viewing arrangements to the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Reports at the time also documented deaths and injuries amid the huge crowds. 

Raila was eventually buried at his home in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19, 2025. 

Therefore, the October 2026 memorial activities will come almost exactly one year after the funeral that brought his political journey to an end.

 *ODM under new leadership* 

The memorial period will also provide an opportunity for ODM to demonstrate how it has transitioned after Raila's death.

For years, Raila was not only ODM's party leader but also its most recognisable public face. His absence has forced the party to reorganise its leadership and redefine its political direction.

Oburu Oginga's leadership therefore gives the 2026 memorials an additional significance. The party will be remembering the man who shaped it while simultaneously presenting itself as an organisation capable of continuing beyond its founder and long-time leader.

The party's leadership has an important responsibility in ensuring that the memorial activities remain focused on remembering Raila's contribution rather than becoming purely political rallies.

Expected participation

The October events are likely to attract ODM officials, elected leaders, former political allies, members of Raila's family, religious leaders, civil society representatives and ordinary supporters.

Given Raila's national profile, the memorials could also attract politicians from outside ODM. During his lifetime, Raila maintained political relationships with leaders across the political divide, including some of the country's most senior political figures.

The first anniversary could therefore become an occasion for political leaders to reflect on Raila's contribution to Kenya beyond party politics.

Remembering the "Agwambo" legacy

Among Raila's supporters, he was known by several political nicknames, including Agwambo, reflecting his reputation as a political strategist whose moves could surprise opponents.

His political career was characterised by major turning points, alliances and political realignments. He contested the presidency several times and became one of the most prominent figures in Kenya's multiparty era.

ODM's planned memorial activities provide an opportunity for supporters to remember those moments while discussing the principles associated with his political career.

For many of his supporters, his greatest legacy is not simply the elections he contested but his contribution to Kenya's democratic development.

 *The significance of October 15* 

Although the currently reported ODM programme highlights October 18, 19 and October 20, the actual anniversary of Raila's death is October 15, 2026.

That date will mark exactly one year since his death in India. Consequently, there is likely to be considerable national attention around the entire week, with different groups potentially organising their own remembrance activities.

The ODM programme may therefore form part of a broader national period of remembrance.

Political implications

The memorial activities could also attract political attention because Raila's influence remains important in Kenyan politics even after his death.

ODM remains one of Kenya's major political parties, and its decisions continue to attract national interest. The anniversary could therefore become an opportunity for the party to communicate its future direction while honouring its former leader.

However, the central message is expected to be remembrance. The party will likely seek to highlight Raila's political ideals, his reform history and his contribution to the country's democratic journey.