Winnie Odinga Calls for Political Ceasefire Ahead of Raila’s First Anniversary

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has called for a political ceasefire as Kenya prepares to mark the first anniversary of the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, during the handover and dedication of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, Winnie urged political leaders and Kenyans attending the upcoming memorial to set aside their differences and focus on remembering his life and legacy.

She said the family had invited people from different political parties, communities and countries because Raila’s influence extended beyond political boundaries.

“We may hold political convictions, different ones. We may disagree strongly about the direction of our country. But you are welcome here,” she said.

“Nobody is being asked to surrender their beliefs at the gate. As his family, we call for a political ceasefire in his honour,” she added.

‘October 15 should not become a political showground’

Winnie specifically appealed to political leaders and their supporters to ensure that the October 15, 2026 commemoration does not become a contest between rival political camps.

“Please let October 15 be a day of remembrance and celebration. It should not become a political showground, a competition over who owns the crowd, who receives the loudest cheers, or who can embarrass another guest,” she said.

Her remarks come amid continuing political debates surrounding Raila’s legacy and the future of the movement he led for decades.

Winnie’s appeal placed the emphasis on the family’s desire for the anniversary to remain primarily a commemoration of Raila’s life rather than an opportunity for political confrontation.

‘Many of Baba’s people had no titles’

Winnie also used her speech to remember the ordinary Kenyans who supported Raila throughout his political career.

“Many of Baba’s people had no titles. They had no escorts, and they had no access to the high table. They stood in the rain. They travelled far. They prayed for him. They believed that their country could be better,” she said.

She encouraged Raila’s supporters to attend the October 15 event with their songs, dances, poems and personal memories.

“We want the people who filled his life to help fill that day,” she added.

Winnie also reflected on the personal pain of losing her father, saying that while she could no longer turn to him for his views, Kenyans could continue discussing and upholding the values he represented.

“If freedom has a price, let us respect those who paid it,” she said.

October 15 marks one year since Raila’s death

October 15, 2026, will mark one year since Raila died in India while receiving medical treatment. He was 80.

His death on October 15, 2025, brought to an end one of Kenya’s longest political careers. Raila served as the country’s second prime minister from 2008 to 2013 and spent decades at the centre of opposition politics and campaigns for political and constitutional reform.

He was buried on October 19, 2025, at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, alongside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

The October 15 event will therefore serve as the main public commemoration marking one year since his death.

The memorial is scheduled to take place at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo from 8am and is expected to bring together Raila’s family, political allies, leaders from different parties, supporters and members of the public.

The programme has been presented as a non-partisan celebration of his life.

Raila’s mausoleum handed over

The October 7 ceremony at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi was separate from the October 15 public commemoration.

The mausoleum, which serves as the final resting place of both Jaramogi and Raila, was formally handed over and dedicated during a restricted ceremony attended by President William Ruto, members of the Odinga family and invited guests.

The government has said the site will be preserved as part of Kenya’s national heritage under the stewardship of the National Museums of Kenya.

Members of the public are expected to begin visiting the mausoleum from October 8, 2026, ahead of the larger anniversary gathering on October 15.