Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr. Ida Odinga, has unveiled a National Steering Committee to coordinate commemorative activities marking the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The committee, chaired by Prof. Adams Oloo a senior lecturer at Nairobi University, brings together representatives from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and the Odinga family.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Dr. Odinga said the committee had been established by the family to ensure that all commemorative activities and institutional initiatives honouring the late former Prime Minister are coordinated with cohesion, dignity, and a common purpose.
She added that all activities relating to the first anniversary celebrations would be conducted under the guidance of the National Steering Committee.
“As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, we recognise that his legacy belongs to every Kenyan who believes in democracy, justice and peace, including those who held different political viewpoints, as we were united in the shared desire for a better Kenya,” stated the widow of the late former premiere.
Notably, Dr. Odinga said the life and contribution of the late former Prime Minister transcended political, religious and ideological divides, describing him as a leader whose commitment was centred on bringing Kenyans together and advancing a democratic society.
She further expressed appreciation to national institutions for the various initiatives being undertaken in memory of the former Prime Minister.
Among the institutions she cited was Daystar University, which she disclosed had initiated plans for a symposium in memory and celebration of the late former Prime Minister.
Dr. Odinga also noted that the University of Nairobi was establishing the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy, which is expected to be officially launched during the week of celebrations.
The Kenya School of Government, she added, had established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, designated as a centre of excellence for governance practices, public-sector leadership, and public administration.
To this regard, Dr. Odinga pointed out that the institutional initiatives were an important reflection of the national significance of her late husband’s contribution to Kenya.
She emphasised that the commemorations would not be confined to political circles or the committee, but would provide an opportunity for Kenyans from different parts of the country and backgrounds to come together and celebrate his life.
“These celebrations do not belong to the committee; they belong to the people,” she affirmed.
Similarly, Dr. Odinga said many Kenyans did not get an opportunity to mourn the late former Prime Minister in the manner they wished, adding that the commemorative week would provide an opportunity for them to come together, remember his life, share memories and celebrate his contribution to the country.
She echoed that the celebrations would reflect the personality and interests of the late former Prime Minister, who she noted loved people, sports, particularly football, music, laughter and debate.
“Nobody who loved Baba should feel left behind. We are all included,” she reaffirmed.
In the meantime, the National Steering Committee is expected to announce the official calendar of activities, which will run from October 10 to 17.
Dr. Odinga formally commissioned the committee to commence preparations for the commemorative activities.
On his part, Prof. Adams Oloo, the Chairperson of the National Steering Committee, revealed that the committee had already begun receiving proposals from Kenyans, institutions, organisations and groups on how they would like to commemorate the life of the late former Prime Minister.
He also mentioned that members of the public and institutions had been invited to submit their proposals to the committee, which would assess them against criteria developed to guide the national programme.
“The other thing that had been communicated earlier is that Kenyans from all walks of life, institutions in the country, organisations, and groups have been asked to write to this committee to indicate how they would like to celebrate Baba,” Prof. Oloo reported.
Importantly, he explained that the committee would not predetermine the locations or institutions that would host commemorative activities, noting that proposals would be considered on their merit and in accordance with the established criteria.
He therefore established that the national character of the celebrations meant that activities could be held in any part of the country where proposals met the criteria.
Likewise, Prof. Oloo added that the committee was also open to proposals from Kenyans and institutions in the diaspora, noting that the late former Prime Minister had a global profile and maintained links with institutions beyond Kenya.
He cited the possibility of universities and international institutions seeking to honour Raila Odinga during the commemorative period, saying such initiatives would be incorporated into the programme if they met the committee’s criteria and received the necessary approval.
The chairperson also maintained that several activities by academic institutions had already been confirmed.
Thus, he announced that Daystar University would host a symposium bringing together scholars and policymakers to discuss and immortalise the legacy of the late former Prime Minister.
At the University of Nairobi, he said, the launch of the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy would form part of the commemorative programme, followed by an inaugural Raila Odinga lecture.
The Kenya School of Government, Prof. Oloo added, was also establishing an institution and academy named after the late former Prime Minister, with a broader African focus and intended to serve as a centre for think tanks dealing with African issues.
“These are activities that I can say with finality are already in place and will form part of the programme,” he reaffirmed.
Prof. Oloo further disclosed that the Kenya Defence Forces was working on the Raila Odinga Mausoleum and expressed hope that it would be completed in time for the memorial celebrations.
The Chairperson also revealed that a handover ceremony for the mausoleum was expected to form part of the commemorative programme.
Crucially, he added that the final day of the celebrations would include a memorial Mass at Kang’o Kajramogi, among other activities.
Prof. Oloo, however, cautioned that other proposed activities remained tentative until the committee received and assessed requests from Kenyans and institutions.
He reiterated that the people-centred approach was one of the key principles guiding the celebrations, noting that the late former Prime Minister consistently emphasised the voice and aspirations of ordinary citizens.
“Baba was a people’s person. He was always saying, ‘Wananchi wamesema’,” Prof. Oloo quoted.
As a result, he called on Kenyans to communicate what they wished to do in honour of the late former Prime Minister, saying the committee and family were ready to consider their proposals.
Earlier, Prof. Oloo stressed that the committee would remain guided by three principal considerations set out by the family: that the commemorations would be family-led, people-centred, and national.
Additionally, the Chairperson insisted that partnerships involving Government, universities, the Kenya School of Government and other institutions would be undertaken with the sanction of the family.
Prof. Oloo also directed that the national character of the celebrations should reflect the diversity of Kenyan society, including women, youth, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and marginalised communities.
Consequently, he asserted that the commemorations should transcend religious and social boundaries and reflect the values associated with the late former Prime Minister.
The first anniversary commemorations are scheduled for October 10 to 17, with the official calendar of events expected to be released by the National Steering Committee.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga, who served as Kenya’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, died on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India. He was 80 years old.
by Aron Kinyamasyo/Michael Omondi
