Thousands of Kenyans gathered at Migwena Sports and Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s political history.

The gathering brought together Raila’s supporters, members of the Odinga family, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters, political leaders and other Kenyans who came to celebrate his life and reflect on his contribution to the country. The event was marked by music, cultural performances, dancing and emotional tributes to the veteran politician, popularly known as Baba.

The anniversary fell exactly one year after Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment. His death marked the end of a political journey spanning several decades, during which he played a central role in Kenya’s multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms, opposition politics and national political negotiations. Early morning arrivals as crowds fill Migwena Grounds

The celebrations began early, with mourners arriving at Migwena Grounds from around 6 a.m. School buses and public service vehicles transported supporters from different parts of the country to Bondo, transforming the town into a major gathering point for people wishing to honour the late opposition leader.

As the numbers grew, police officers remained on standby to guide attendees into designated areas and help maintain order. The crowds continued streaming into the venue, with the grounds filling with people wearing orange clothing, ODM-branded T-shirts and caps bearing messages in memory of Raila. For many attendees, the occasion was more than a memorial service. It was an opportunity to reconnect with the history of a leader whose public life was closely associated with the political aspirations of millions of Kenyans.

Vendors also took advantage of the large gathering to sell oranges and other merchandise associated with ODM, adding colour to the celebrations.

Migwena Grounds was selected because of its special connection to the Odinga family and the local community. Raila was known to attend sporting activities at the venue, making it a meaningful location for commemorating his life and legacy. Ida Odinga calls for peace and unity

One of the key messages surrounding the anniversary celebrations was a call for peace, unity and respect for the memory of the late former Prime Minister.

Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, urged Kenyans to come together and give her husband a fitting commemoration. She called on political leaders and supporters to avoid turning the occasion into a contest between rival political groups.

Ida’s message reflected the family's wish to ensure that the anniversary remained focused on Raila's life, sacrifices and contribution to Kenya rather than political disagreements.Music, dance and cultural performances honour Baba

Music and cultural performances formed a central part of the celebrations at Migwena Grounds.

Organisers planned performances by musicians from different parts of Kenya and beyond, reflecting Raila's longstanding relationship with ordinary citizens and the cultural traditions associated with gatherings in Bondo.

Prof Adams Oloo, chairman of the National Steering Committee coordinating the anniversary celebrations, said the venue offered an appropriate setting to honour the former Prime Minister.

He explained that the programme was designed to celebrate a leader who enjoyed a strong connection with the public and whose life had left a lasting impression on many Kenyans.Raila Odinga's contribution to Kenya's democracy

Raila Odinga's first death anniversary has renewed discussions about his contribution to Kenya's democratic development.

Throughout his political career, he was associated with campaigns for multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms, political accountability and greater public participation in government.

His political journey included periods of confrontation with successive governments, imprisonment and political struggle. He remained a central figure in opposition politics and became one of the country's most recognisable political leaders.In 2018, his handshake with former President Uhuru Kenyatta marked another significant moment in Kenya's political history, opening a period of cooperation between leaders who had previously been political rivals.

These episodes form part of the legacy being discussed as Kenyans reflect on his life one year after his death.

For his supporters, Raila represented persistence in the pursuit of political change. For others, his long career illustrated the complexities of Kenya's political alliances and the importance of negotiations in resolving national disputes.

His first anniversary has therefore become an occasion for remembering both the man and the political history in which he played a leading role.Why Migwena Grounds holds special significance

The choice of Migwena Sports and Cultural Grounds was deliberate.

The Odinga family previously explained that the venue held special memories for Raila, who regularly attended sporting activities there. The grounds also have cultural and historical importance within the local community.

The family selected the venue for the anniversary celebrations as preparations were made to welcome thousands of people from across the country.The anniversary also comes at a significant moment for the Orange Democratic Movement, the political party Raila led for many years.

His death created questions about the party's future leadership, political direction and ability to maintain the support he built over decades.

Raila had developed a strong political following across different regions of Kenya, and his influence extended beyond ODM members to supporters who associated him with constitutional reform, political competition and the struggle for greater accountability.

As the country approaches the 2027 General Election, the party's future and its relationships with other political formations remain important subjects of national discussion.The family’s appeal for the anniversary to remain nonpartisan was particularly relevant in this context. Organisers urged political leaders not to use the gathering to compete over popularity or mobilise rival factions against one another.

Instead, the focus was intended to remain on remembering Raila and the principles associated with his public life.

Whether his political influence will continue to shape Kenya's politics in the same way remains a question for the coming years. However, the large turnout at Migwena Grounds demonstrates that public interest in his life and legacy remains strong.