Former Raila allies give first anniversary a wide berth

Raila Odinga’s family at his first death anniversary commemoration in Bondo, Siaya County. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

They were some of the closest people in Raila Odinga’s circle during his decades-long career and shared with him significant moments in his political career. For some, especially his allies in ODM, he helped build their careers from scratch, handing them direct tickets to contest seats and endorsing them to win seats without breaking a sweat.

Yet, in his first anniversary that many had been looking forward to after a year of heartbreak over the loss of a political icon, they were a no-show and abandoned the man whom they had portrayed as a friend, father figure and mentor.

Several leaders who walked the journey with Raila gave his anniversary a wide berth, with only a few sending their apologies for missing such an event in the country’s history, as others resorted to sending lengthy posts on social media.

On top of the list was President William Ruto, a beneficiary of Raila’s political exploits that helped him stabilise his government at a time when protesters almost brought his administration to its knees.

President William Ruto, who had been expected to attend the October 15 commemoration, was conspicuously absent as he continued his development tour of the North Rift.

Although the president had attended the handing-over ceremony of his mausoleum to the family a few days ago, many had anticipated him to come and share a moment with Raila’s supporters and celebrate the life of a departed hero. But this was not the case. His schedule, instead, prioritised a campaign rally in Baringo County.

Within ODM, the party that was the backbone of Raila’s political career, several leaders skipped the events, with only deputy party leader Simba Arati, the only senior party official.

Party chairperson Gladys Wanga, the other deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, the party’s Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Governor Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Paul Otuoma (Busia), alongside several MPs, were no-shows. Others who gave the meeting a wide berth were Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, as well as former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who came under criticism from a section of leaders allied to Ruto for allegedly trying to mislead Raila's supporters.

Also missing were Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, the self-proclaimed Raila’s son Oketch Salah, among others.

Opposition leaders address mourners during Raila Odinga’s first death anniversary in Bondo. [Dennis Kavisu, Standard]

The Standard established that Governor Wanga had travelled to Dubai to attend a summit. However, some residents questioned her decision to skip the event of a man who nurtured her and propelled her to become a senior party official and the first female governor in Nyanza and Western regions.

A source within the party claimed that most of the party officials skipped the event because the family had requested that the event not be turned into a campaign platform or a battle for popularity among the political class.

Despite the absence of some high-profile figures, the anniversary attracted several political leaders who shared a long history with the former Prime Minister.

Among those present were former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Chief Justice David Maraga.

Their presence reflected the enduring influence of Raila's political legacy across different parties and generations.

For some, the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate a personal friendship. For others, it was a moment to remember a political mentor whose campaigns for multiparty democracy, constitutional reform and electoral justice left a lasting mark on the country.

The first anniversary comes at a delicate moment for ODM, which is grappling with questions about its future direction following the death of its longstanding leader.

Raila's political cooperation with Ruto divided opinion within sections of the opposition, with some leaders supporting engagement with the government while others questioned the implications for the party's identity and political independence.

His death has further intensified the debate over who will carry forward his political ideals and how his movement will navigate the 2027 General Election.

At Migwena, however, the message from the Odinga family was that the anniversary should remain a moment of remembrance rather than a contest between political factions.

The gathering brought together mourners from different parts of the country, united by memories of a politician whose career was marked by fierce political battles, unexpected alliances and an enduring connection with his supporters.