Siaya Governor James Orengo has appealed for calm ahead of the first death anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County. Speaking during a media briefing at the grounds on Tuesday, October 13, Orengo called on politicians to prevent groups capable of causing violence from disrupting the commemoration, according to The Star, Kenya.
The governor accused the national government of sponsoring what he described as goons, saying those mobilising such groups should stay away from the event. He did not present publicly available evidence identifying specific state officials or agencies allegedly involved.
"The biggest of sponsors of goons in Kenya is the state, the national government, and persons and agencies working with the national government," Orengo said, as reported by The Star, Kenya.
His remarks came amid concerns over political tensions surrounding a gathering expected to draw national leaders, foreign dignitaries and members of the public. Orengo asked attendees to treat the occasion as a chance to honour the late opposition leader rather than a platform for settling political scores.
"I urge them, please keep them away from Raila's great and big event. And I think even Mama Aida has pleaded that we leave those bad manners from such an occasion," he said.
Why it matters
The memorial marks one year since Raila Odinga died in India on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. His career spanned decades and placed him at the centre of Kenya's push for multiparty democracy. He served as prime minister from 2008 to 2013 under the power-sharing arrangement that followed the disputed 2007 presidential election.
Over the years he was linked to several parties, including Kanu, the National Development Party and Ford Kenya, before becoming the defining figure of the Orange Democratic Movement. His alliances shifted across successive administrations and opposition movements, giving him influence that reached well beyond any single party.
Because the anniversary is expected to bring together former political allies, government officials, diplomats and ordinary Kenyans, the tone of the event carries weight. A peaceful gathering would reinforce the image of a leader whose appeal crossed regional and political lines, while any disruption would sharpen existing tensions.
Widow calls for unity as security plans take shape
Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, also spoke to journalists during an inspection of the grounds, calling for the commemoration to bring Kenyans together across political, religious and regional divides.
"Baba belonged to many people, belongs to many denominations, belonged to people, many parties," Ida said, according to The Star, Kenya.
She said the expected arrival of visitors from across Kenya and abroad made it important for the country to reflect the values her husband stood for.
"I would plead to Kenyans, we give our visitors who have come the correct image of what Baba stood for," she said.
The family has invited people from different political backgrounds to take part in the memorial, which is expected to draw former political allies, government officials, members of the diplomatic community and members of the public.
Orengo's warning followed claims by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that unnamed politicians were organising goons to attack him during the memorial. Owino did not publicly establish who was behind the alleged plan, The Star, Kenya reports.
Meanwhile, Siaya county officials said they were coordinating with national government agencies on security, crowd management and essential services. The arrangements include security assessments, crowd control, emergency response services, water and sanitation facilities and public health measures.
"Just before this press conference, we have also had a security assessment, and we have made the necessary preparations to ensure that security will be provided and crowd control," a county official said during the briefing.
The county said attendance could reach 20,000 people. Officials also referred to Ebola protocols as part of the preparations but did not specify whether the measures were prompted by a particular threat or outbreak.
Orengo said the grounds would remain open to anyone wishing to attend, insisting the commemoration should reflect the breadth of Raila's political and national legacy.
The preparations follow the October 7 handover and dedication of Raila's mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto. Public access to the mausoleum opened the following day.
The governor's appeal places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of political leaders and security agencies to prevent violence and ensure the event proceeds peacefully. Questions remain over the allegations of planned political violence, which have not been publicly substantiated.
What happens next will depend on whether the memorial stays focused on remembrance or becomes drawn into the political disputes that Orengo and Ida Odinga have both asked attendees to set aside.
