The family of the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has formed a committee to coordinate activities marking the first anniversary of his death.
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the family said the commemorations would give Kenyans an opportunity to mourn, remember and honour Odinga, who was widely known as “Baba”.
The committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, will coordinate commemorative activities planned for the week of October 15, with the family saying the full programme would be announced once preparations are complete.
The family said many of Odinga's supporters did not have the opportunity to mourn him in the manner they would have wished following his death.
“As we approach the first anniversary of the passing of our beloved Raila Amolo Odinga, our family is deeply conscious that Baba belonged to the people.
“For generations, Kenyans walked with him. They stood with him through victories and disappointments, celebrated with him, suffered with him, believed in him, and made his journey their own.
“We also understand that, in the days following his passing, many of Baba's people did not get the opportunity to mourn him in the way they would have wished. Many did not get the chance to say goodbye.”
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, aged 80, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was buried on October 19 at the family mausoleum in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, beside his father, Kenya's first Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His death ended a political career spanning several decades, during which he became one of Kenya's most prominent opposition leaders and a central figure in the country's struggle for multiparty democracy and constitutional reform.
Raila was detained without trial following the failed 1982 coup attempt and was later detained again for his involvement in the campaign for political reforms. He went into exile in Norway in 1991 before returning to Kenya the following year. He entered Parliament as Lang'ata MP and later served in government as Energy Minister and Minister for Roads, Public Works and Housing.
He contested the presidency five times — in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022 — without winning. His 2007 election dispute contributed to a political crisis that resulted in a power-sharing agreement with President Mwai Kibaki, under which he became Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013.
The family said the first anniversary should focus on the people who supported Odinga throughout that journey.
“We therefore want this first anniversary to give the people their moment with Baba to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him.
“Anyone who wishes to participate in, support, or organise any activity as part of the anniversary commemoration is kindly requested to do so through the committee. This will help ensure proper coordination, inclusivity and a meaningful, unified commemoration.”
The family maintained that the commemorations would seek to bring together Odinga's supporters across communities, generations and regions.
“We want to assure everyone that Baba's people will not be left behind. There will be room for those who walked with him from every community, every generation, every part of the country and every chapter of his life. This anniversary belongs neither to an individual nor to an institution; it belongs to the people whose lives Baba touched.”
The family has asked for patience as the committee completes preparations and finalises the programme.