All eyes on Bondo as Raila’s first death anniversary takes place

The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. (Photo: Wonder Creative Studio / Shutterstock via The Conversation)

All eyes will today turn to Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the final resting place of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as the country marks the first anniversary of his death.

By Wednesday evening, preparations had been completed at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, ahead of the commemoration, which is expected to attract thousands of Kenyans and a host of dignitaries.

Although the wider Jaramogi family and Ida Odinga have called for calm and peace to avert possible clashes between politicians seeking to use the event to flex their political muscle, high-stakes political activity is expected.

Family members, national and international dignitaries, religious leaders, politicians and members of the public will gather to commemorate the life and legacy of the veteran opposition leader.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, who is also vice-chairman of the National Steering Committee coordinating the anniversary, said Migwena Cultural Grounds would accommodate up to 10,000 people.

“We have contracted young men to put up a facility essentially to accommodate about 10,000 people tomorrow (Thursday). They have assured us that by this evening the entire set-up will be ready,” he said on Wednesday.

The programme will begin at 6am with performances by various groups and video clips capturing Raila’s life and times.

The family is expected to arrive at 10.30am alongside the bishop and other dignitaries, ahead of the main service, scheduled to begin at 11am and led by the Anglican Church.

The service is expected to last about 45 minutes, followed by interdenominational prayers and intercessions by different religious groups.

Speeches by family members, dignitaries, ambassadors and other international guests will follow, interspersed with performances and video presentations celebrating Raila’s contribution to the country.

Amollo said the venue had been arranged to accommodate members of the public on one side and VIPs on the other. The main dais will initially serve as the platform for the church service before hosting subsequent activities.

Preparations are being coordinated by the National Steering Committee in collaboration with national security and administration teams, the Siaya County Government and Raila’s family.

Amollo said organisers had received assurances of adequate security and thanked the national government, led by President William Ruto, for its cooperation.

He said security assessments had been conducted ahead of the event, with measures being put in place to manage crowds and ensure the safety of those attending.

Organisers are also working with relevant government departments to put public health arrangements in place, with attendance potentially reaching 20,000 people.

Amollo said the preparations included measures to address public health requirements, although he did not elaborate on the specific protocols.

However, the MP said the anniversary should remain a moment of remembrance rather than a platform for political competition.

“It is not the day of politics. It is not the day for different politicians to contest to show popularity or otherwise,” he said.

“The family emphasises that tomorrow (Thursday) is a day when everyone is invited, but not to come and do politics, but to come and remember Raila,” he added.

He also urged political leaders and their supporters to shun goonism, warning that violence and political disruption would undermine the purpose of the commemoration.

Those attending have been urged to set aside partisan interests and embrace a national outlook, with organisers saying Raila’s legacy transcended individual political parties and formations.

The family wants those attending to wear their “national hat” rather than their partisan political hat, Amollo said, citing the presence of international guests, religious leaders, family members and representatives of different political formations.

Ahead of Thursday’s memorial, a candlelight ceremony took place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on Wednesday evening.

The event would begun at 4.30pm, with the formal programme starting at 5pm. It featured a brief homily by the Anglican Church and speeches by family members.

People across the world were encouraged to light candles in his memory and share photographs through the Raila Odinga Legacy website, as indicated by the organisers.

The candlelight ceremony featured other activities and culminated in a fireworks display.

Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, leaving behind a decades-long political legacy marked by the struggle for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and social justice.