BONDO, Kenya — President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta are expected to share a platform at the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, setting the stage for a politically sensitive gathering as the 2027 General Election approaches.
The three-day commemoration began on Tuesday, October 13, with events in Kisumu and will culminate on Thursday, October 15, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, where political leaders, family members and supporters will gather to honour Raila’s life and legacy.
The expected meeting comes amid renewed political exchanges between Ruto and Uhuru, whose relationship has deteriorated since the 2022 presidential election.
Organisers have invited leaders from across the political divide, raising the prospect of a rare public encounter between the two former allies at an event intended to celebrate the life of one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.
However, the gathering also presents a delicate balancing act for the organisers, who must accommodate leaders with competing political interests without allowing the anniversary to become a contest over who was closest to Raila or who commands the largest following.
Family warns against political rivalry
Raila’s family has appealed to guests with differing political convictions to respect one another and ensure the anniversary remains focused on remembrance.
His daughter, Winnie Odinga, said the invitation extended to leaders from different political backgrounds was not an endorsement of any particular political camp.
“We may hold different political convictions; we may disagree strongly about the direction of our country, but you are welcome here. Nobody is being asked to surrender their beliefs at the gate,” she said.
Winnie also cautioned against turning the occasion into a political contest over popularity or influence.
“Please let 15th be a day of remembrance and celebration. It should not become a political showground, a competition of who owns the crowd, who receives the loudest cheers or who can embarrass another guest,” she added.
The appeal comes as political divisions deepen ahead of the 2027 election, with some figures associated with Raila’s opposition legacy now supporting Ruto’s broad-based government arrangement while others are seeking to build an alternative political alliance.
The family has invited leaders from across the political spectrum, including Ruto, Uhuru, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Kalonzo has, however, said he will not attend the main anniversary event, criticising what he sees as attempts to exploit Raila’s legacy for political purposes.
Ruto and Uhuru feud returns to the spotlight
The expected gathering comes days after Ruto renewed his criticism of Uhuru, accusing the former president of sponsoring opposition figures to undermine his administration.
During engagements in the North Rift, Ruto claimed Uhuru was unhappy with his development record and accused him of abandoning their political understanding ahead of the 2022 presidential election. These remain allegations made by Ruto.
Uhuru, meanwhile, has urged opposition leaders to unite ahead of the next election and warned voters in the Mount Kenya region against repeating what he described as the mistake of supporting Ruto.
The exchanges have revived tensions between the two leaders, who served together in government after the 2013 election before their relationship deteriorated during the build-up to the 2022 contest.
Ruto’s expected attendance at the anniversary is particularly significant because he had a close political partnership with Raila after the two entered a broad-based government arrangement in 2025. Raila died on October 15 that year, leaving questions about the future direction of the political agreement and the alliances surrounding his legacy.
Uhuru, who supported Raila in the 2022 presidential election, also maintained a close political relationship with the former prime minister during their later years in public life.
Their expected presence in Bondo places leaders with different political positions in the same setting, making the anniversary a significant moment for both remembrance and political observation.
Raila anniversary programme begins in Kisumu
The commemorations opened on Tuesday at Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu with an intergenerational conclave bringing together the Luo Council of Elders, young people, women and religious leaders.
The discussions are focused on Raila’s calls for dialogue between generations and the role of young people in addressing Kenya’s social, political and economic challenges.
Poetry and musical performances are also planned, alongside a blood donation exercise intended to reflect the late leader’s commitment to public service and community welfare.
Committee chairman Professor Adams Oloo said the anniversary should be an opportunity to celebrate Raila’s contribution to the country rather than concentrate exclusively on mourning.
“This is not a week of mourning alone. It is a week of gratitude,” the committee said in a statement issued on October 12.
The programme will move to Kang’o ka Jaramogi on Wednesday, where Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, will lead an international candle-lighting ceremony beginning at 6pm.
The organisers have invited supporters in Kenya and abroad to light candles simultaneously as a symbol of remembrance and unity.
The main event will take place on Thursday at Migwena Cultural Grounds, beginning at 7am, with musicians from Kenya and beyond expected to perform in tribute to the former prime minister.
Raila’s legacy at the centre of political contest
Raila’s first death anniversary comes at a time when his political legacy remains influential in shaping alliances ahead of the 2027 election.
For decades, he was a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics and democratic reform movement. His political relationships crossed party and regional boundaries, making his memorial a gathering point for leaders who do not necessarily share the same political objectives today.
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The anniversary also follows the commissioning of his mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi on October 7, when Ruto joined Ida Odinga and members of the family to dedicate the site. The President described Raila as a patriot and statesman whose contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey deserved to be preserved.
The question facing the organisers is how to preserve the spirit of a national commemoration while accommodating the political realities surrounding the leaders expected to attend.
The family has made clear that guests from across the political divide are welcome. Whether the gathering remains focused on Raila’s life and ideals, rather than the rivalry over his political legacy, will be closely watched as the country moves towards the next election.
