Barasa calls for peaceful Raila anniversary as Kakamega prepares for ODM gathering
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa at previous event photo/file
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on ODM members, political leaders and residents to turn out peacefully for Friday’s commemoration of the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Barasa said Kakamega is ready to host the major ODM gathering at Bukhungu Stadium, with leaders and supporters from across Western Kenya expected to attend the event.
The commemoration is part of ODM’s month-long “Mwezi wa Baba” programme honouring Raila, who died in October 2025. The Kakamega rally is bringing together supporters from Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.
Speaking ahead of the event, Barasa said the gathering is going beyond remembering Raila’s death by providing an opportunity for ODM members to reflect on the principles that shaped his political career.
“This is not merely a commemoration. It is an occasion for us to reflect on the sweat, sacrifice and blood Raila Amolo Odinga gave in the service of the people of Kenya, the struggle for democratic governance and transformation of our country,” Barasa said.
He said the party’s members had a responsibility to preserve and advance values associated with Raila’s political life, including democracy, constitutionalism, social justice, equitable development, devolution, human rights and national unity.
Barasa said the event is expected to attract ODM party leaders, Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly and other political leaders from across the country.
The governor urged residents and political leaders attending the commemoration to maintain peace and dignity throughout the programme.
He said preparations has been completed to ensure the gathering proceeds peacefully, while welcoming ODM members, leaders from across the political divide and residents of Kakamega and the wider Western Kenya region.
The event comes as ODM continues its month-long programme to mark one year since the death of its founding leader, with the party using the commemorations to reflect on his political legacy and contribution to Kenya’s democratic development.
Barasa, who is also the Kakamega ODM county chairperson, has in recent days urged party members to remain united as the anniversary activities continue. He has also said he intends to defend his Kakamega governorship on the ODM ticket in the 2027 General Election.
The governor has said Kakamega is honoured to be the first county to host the anniversary commemoration, after the ODM party headquarters entrusted the county with hosting the gathering.
“We have made elaborate preparations to ensure that tomorrow’s programme is conducted peacefully, with dignity and in the spirit of what Raila stood for,” Barasa said.
The Kakamega event is expected to precede a series of other commemorative activities, including family-led events from October 10 to 15 before the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo on October 15, the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Barasa said the anniversary should also provide an opportunity for younger generations to understand the values associated with Raila’s long public service and carry them forward.
He has invited residents and ODM supporters to attend the gathering from 9am, saying the county is ready to receive visitors from across the region.
The governor said the late former Prime Minister’s contribution would continue to be remembered beyond the anniversary, with his political ideals remaining part of the discussion around Kenya’s democratic development.
