Ida Odinga has formally unveiled the national committee that will coordinate commemorations marking the first anniversary of the death of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with the tribute period set to run from October 10 to 17, 2026.
Speaking at a briefing where the committee’s leadership was announced, Mrs Odinga named political scientist Prof Adams Oloo as chairperson of the committee, with Rarieda MP Dr Otiende Amollo taking on the role of deputy chair. Also present at the unveiling were Raila Odinga Jr, nominated Senator Crystal Asige, and former Attorney General Amos Wako, alongside representatives drawn from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Odinga family itself.
Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025, and this year’s commemorations are expected to draw mourners and well-wishers from across the political divide, given his decades-long role in Kenya’s democratic and reform movements. Mrs Odinga said the committee would soon publish a detailed calendar of activities for the week-long tribute, though she indicated that the programme would be designed to reflect the range of causes and passions her late husband was known for.
“Baba loved people, he loved sports, he loved music, he loved laughter, debate and the energy of the crowd,” she said, suggesting the commemorations would extend beyond formal political tributes to include cultural and community events.
She was emphatic that the anniversary events were not the preserve of any single group. “This celebration does not belong to the committee; it belongs to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome,” she said, extending an open invitation to the public.
The formation of the coordinating committee follows earlier indications from the Odinga family that a structured programme would be put together to mark the anniversary, with academic and civic institutions reported to be preparing their own tributes, including new institutions being established in his honour. Security agencies are expected to be involved in planning given the scale of public turnout anticipated for the commemorations, though no specific security arrangements have yet been made public.