ODM Announces Venues for Raila Odinga's Anniversary Candlelight Vigils [List]

The ODM Party has announced venues for nationwide candlelight vigils to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of its former party leader, Raila Odinga.

In a statement on Thursday, October 1, the party said the ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, October 2, with events set to take place across the country from 6:00pm.

ODM said the nationwide commemoration would bring together supporters and members of the public to honour the former party leader.

"The ODM Party has organized a nationwide candlelight ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary since the passing of the founding Party Leader the Late Raila Amolo Odinga," the statement read.

The party said the commemorative activities would extend beyond Kenya, with the main event taking place in Nairobi.

"This commemorative event will be spread across the counties in the republic, diaspora and the climax will be in the country's capital, Nairobi," the statement added.

The party listed Nairobi County as Uhuru Park grounds, starting at 3:00pm; Kisumu County as Central Square in Kisumu town; Mombasa County as Treasury Square; Narok County as William Ole Ntimama Stadium; Uasin Gishu County as Eldoret town; Turkana County as Kanamkemer Round About; and Kajiado County as Kajiado town.

Migori County was assigned Posta Grounds, while Homa Bay County was listed as Homa Bay town. Kakamega County would hold the ceremony in Kakamega town, while Busia County would use Busia Bus Park.

In Vihiga County, the ceremonies were scheduled for Mbale town and Luanda Town. Nakuru County was listed as Nakuru CBD, Kilifi County as Kilifi Town, and Kiambu County as Kiambu town.

Kisii County was assigned Central Round About in Kisii town, while Wajir County and Garissa County were listed as Wajir town and Garissa town respectively. Nyamira County was also listed as Nyamira town.

Meanwhile, the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, is now over 95 per cent complete, with preparations underway for its unveiling next week.

In an update on Wednesday, September 30, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said the Ministry of Defence took over the construction of the mausoleum in July 2026 and has overseen significant progress on the project over the past two months.

"The Ministry of Defence took over the construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, in July 2026. 

"In just two months, the project has progressed significantly and is now over 95 per cent complete, with preparations underway for its unveiling next week, ahead of the upcoming memorial milestones in honour of the late former Prime Minister, Raila Amolo Odinga," he wrote.

Mariru said he led a team from the Ministry of Defence to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to inspect the project and establish whether it was ready for the planned unveiling. 

The inspection also brought together officials from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).

"Today, I led a team from the Ministry of Defence to Kang’o ka Jaramogi to assess the progress of the project and ascertain its readiness ahead of the unveiling.

"I was accompanied by a team from the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), led by the Director General, Prof. Mary Gikungu," he added.

According to Mariru, the mausoleum project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Defence and NMK following a directive from President William Ruto.

"The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with NMK, pursuant to the directive of the President, William Ruto," he further said.