William Ruto Pledges to Preserve Raila Odinga's Legacy

President William Ruto visited Kisumu on September 13, 2026, to commemorate the first death anniversary of former opposition leader Raila Odinga. Speaking at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church, Ruto pledged to collaborate with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to preserve Odinga's development legacy, asserting that his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the ODM are collaborators rather than competitors. He cited infrastructure projects, such as affordable housing and the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Kisumu, as achievements aligned with Odinga's vision.

Following the visit, Ruto announced that the Kenyan government is working with the Odinga family to organize anniversary preparations and is overseeing the construction of a mausoleum dedicated to the former Prime Minister. The memorial, intended as a tribute to Odinga's influence on democratic development, is expected to be completed by October 14.

The ODM is using a month of anniversary activities to mobilize support for Ruto's 2027 re-election. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga reaffirmed the party's commitment to the broad-based government, citing regional development in Luo Nyanza as justification for the partnership. Simultaneously, ODM Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo ordered party rebels to leave the organization if they prefer other political camps.