The decision to hold nationwide candle-lighting vigils on October 2 in celebration of the first anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left many Kenyans questioning the timeline of events surrounding the commemoration.
As the country officially marks the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, public confusion has mounted over why lighting ceremonies took place nearly two weeks early.
Odinga, who fought for Kenya’s political struggle and multiparty democracy, passed away on October 15, 2025, while receiving medical treatment in India.
However, on October 2, 2026, major public venues including Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Treasury Square in Mombasa, and Kisumu Central Square saw thousands assemble to light candles.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party clarified that October 2 was selected to officially launch #MweziWaBaba, a month-long national remembrance campaign leading into the main anniversary.
Party officials explained that a single day of reflection was not enough to capture the expansive 50-year public service legacy of the former opposition leader.
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Raila Odinga Anniversary: Regional Events Launch Countdown
According to ODM leadership, designated weekly events throughout October allow regional branches across all 47 counties to host local tributes without overwhelming the main anniversary date.
The October 2 date also carried symbolic weight, marking the start of the final 13-day countdown toward the official state memorial service at Bondo, Siaya County.
Organizers noted that early evening vigils provided working-class Kenyans and students an accessible, non-political opportunity to show solidarity before the main political gatherings.
In Nairobi, the Uhuru Park event drew massive crowds starting at 3:00 PM, culminating in a simultaneous candle-lighting moment at 6:00 PM across multiple urban centers.
Community leaders in Western Kenya and the Coast region held parallel prayer sessions, emphasizing peace, unity, and national reflection over political mobilization.
As formal anniversary ceremonies take place today in Siaya County, the early October 2 vigils served their intended purpose: uniting the nation in an extended period of solemn tribute.
