Kenya Marks First Anniversary of Raila Odinga's Death
Thousands gathered in Bondo to honor Raila Odinga as President William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta skipped the event amid an escalating political feud.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the Migwena grounds in Bondo on October 15, 2026, to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. While family members and opposition leaders attended, William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta both skipped the memorial. Ruto spent the day commissioning development projects in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in the Rift Valley, though he acknowledged the anniversary via Facebook.
The absence of the two leaders highlights a deepening public rift. Ruto has accused Kenyatta of financing opposition activities and violating a previous political agreement. Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement remains divided between a faction led by Oburu Oginga that supports Ruto and a rebel camp led by Senator Edwin Sifuna that opposes the alliance.
During the event, Winnie Odinga announced her candidacy for Nairobi senator. The day also saw the publication of a tribute by Ben Agina, a former campaign director, who recalled Odinga's preference for ordinary spaces over formal exclusivity and his personal commitment to his staff.
Ida Odinga led the family commemorations and urged political restraint, while the event served as a focal point for both personal mourning and strategic political maneuvering within the opposition.
