Odinga family clash with ODM on plans to honour Raila

Raila Odinga’s family and ODM have announced separate plans as preparations gather pace for the former Prime Minister’s first anniversary. [Courtesy]

The first anniversary of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is fast approaching and several activities are already being prepared in his honour.

But even before a refined schedule can be agreed upon, differing statements from the family and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), respectively, have emerged.

The family, in a statement dated September 13, has stated that there will be room for those who walked with Raila from every community, generation, every part of the country and chapter of his life.

“This anniversary belongs neither to an individual nor an institution but to the people whose lives Raila touched. As a family, our responsibility is to make sure they have their chance to remember him. We ask for a little patience as the arrangements are completed,” a statement reads.

The late Raila died on October 15 last year as he was receiving treatment in an Indian hospital, and, being the founder of ODM, the party has resolved to honour him the best way they know how.

Last week, ODM announced what they described as the ‘Mwezi wa Baba’ (Raila’s month) itinerary but his family has now declared its own plans.

Days after ODM issued their statement, the family also highlighted the plans it has ahead of the commemoration, which is just about a month away.

The family says it has constituted a committee, chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, to coordinate commemorative activities during the week of October 15.

According to the family, the committee is currently developing the programme, which the family will announce in good time, even as it directed that anyone who wishes to participate to do so through the committee.

“Anyone who wishes to participate in support or organise any activity as part of the anniversary commemoration is kindly requested to do so through the committee. This will help ensure proper coordination, inclusivity and a meaningful, unified commemoration,” the family has said.

Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, posted the family statement on Sunday evening, communicating their plans but assuring that his people will not be left behind.

“As we approach the first anniversary of the passing of our beloved Raila Odinga, our family is deeply conscious that baba belonged to the people. For generations, Kenyans walked with him. They stood with him through victories and disappointments, celebrated with him, suffered with him, believed in him and made his journey their own,” the family statement read.

The family said the people’s support matters deeply to them and thus, want this first anniversary to give their moment with Raila to remember him, mourn him, celebrate him and honour the journey they shared with him.

“We understand that in the days following his passing, many of Raila’s people did not get the opportunity to mourn him in the way they would have wished. Many did not get the chance to say goodbye,” the family noted.

Raila was accorded a State funeral with all the honours of a statesman and was buried within a record 72 hours of his death, in line with his wish.

But last week, ODM communicated its planned activities, saying it was in recognition of his tireless contribution to the country’s democracy and his Pan-Africanism, hence dedicating the month of October as ‘Mwezi wa Baba’.

The ODM said that the official commemoration would commence on October 2 with a candle-lighting event, where Kenyans will be requested to light candles wherever they are, either in organised groups or individually, in remembrance of BABA.

The candle-lighting, ODM said, is expected to take place at 6:00 pm across the country.

This will then be followed by what they described as a major memorial rally in Kakamega town on October 9 to bring together supporters from all the Counties of the Western Kenya region, namely Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.

Similarly, the party said that from October 10 to 15, there will be family-led activities, the culmination of which is the main memorial service at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo.

On October 17, the party has lined up a memorial rally in Garissa town to cover Raila’s supporters from Northern Kenya counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit.

Other dates include memorial activities on October 18 – 19 in the Coastal region, October 21 in Kajiado, then October 23 – 25 in Turkana, while the climax of the Mwezi wa Baba, as set by the party, is in Nairobi on October 31.

“We urge all our supporters to rededicate their commitment to Baba’s ideals,” said the party.

The country now awaits the final decision from both the family and the party, as October 15 fast approaches.