One year on, Kenya still bows its head in remembrance of a political colossus whose life, courage, and sacrifice profoundly shaped the destiny of a nation.
The passing of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, fondly known as Baba, left a void in Kenyan politics that will be difficult to fill. Yet, while his physical presence is gone, his ideals, convictions, and enduring contribution to the democratic aspirations of his people remain firmly alive.
Today, Thursday, October 15, 2026, family members, political comrades, colleagues, friends, and admirers from across Kenya and beyond gather at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, to commemorate the first anniversary of his passing. It is a moment not merely to mourn a departed leader, but also to reflect on the extraordinary life of a man whose political journey became inseparable from Kenya’s struggle for democracy, constitutional reform, justice, and national unity.
Raila Odinga was more than a politician. He was a symbol of resistance, resilience, and hope; a leader who gave voice to the aspirations of ordinary citizens and challenged successive political establishments in pursuit of a more democratic and inclusive Kenya. His life embodied the sacrifices required to confront injustice and the determination needed to advance a nation’s democratic ideals.
His contribution to Kenya’s multiparty democratic struggle remains one of the defining chapters of his political legacy. During the agitation for political pluralism, particularly around the historic Saba Saba protests of July 1990, Raila stood among those who challenged the prevailing one-party political order and demanded fundamental democratic reforms. His involvement in that struggle helped shape the political environment that eventually ushered in multiparty democracy.
His influence extended beyond the struggle for political freedom. Raila was also an important figure in the broader process of constitutional reform that culminated in the promulgation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. That historic milestone represented a significant step towards accountable governance, the protection of fundamental rights, the devolution of power, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. His place in that national journey remains an important part of his legacy.
Throughout his distinguished political career, Baba occupied several influential positions in Kenya’s political establishment. He represented Lang’ata Constituency in Parliament for two decades, served in various ministerial capacities, and held senior leadership positions in political parties, including FORD-Kenya, the Liberal Democratic Party, KANU, and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which he led until his death.
His participation in the presidential elections of 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022 further demonstrated his enduring commitment to electoral politics and his determination to pursue his vision for Kenya through the democratic process. His political journey was marked by fierce contests, difficult compromises, personal sacrifice, and an unrelenting belief that Kenya could become a fairer, more inclusive, and more prosperous nation.
Yet Raila’s significance cannot be measured by the offices he held or the elections he contested alone. His influence lay equally in his ability to inspire political consciousness, mobilise citizens around national questions, and remain a central figure in Kenya’s public life across several decades. To his supporters, he was a champion of the people; to his political adversaries, he was a formidable opponent; and to history, he remains one of the most consequential figures in modern Kenyan politics.
His contribution also transcended Kenya’s borders. As a prominent statesman in East Africa and across the African continent, Raila championed dialogue, political cooperation, peace, and regional integration. His legacy reminds us that leadership is measured not only by the power one exercises, but also by the principles one defends, the people one inspires, and the institutions one helps strengthen.
As we commemorate Baba, we must recognise that honouring his memory requires more than eloquent tributes and ceremonial gatherings. It calls for a renewed commitment to the ideals for which he struggled: democratic governance, social justice, national cohesion, respect for constitutionalism, and the protection of the dignity and rights of every citizen. His legacy challenges today’s leaders to rise above narrow political interests and place the welfare of the people at the centre of public service.
Today, Baba rests at his final resting place at Opoda Farm, at Kango ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, Nyanza Region, where a mausoleum constructed under the administration of President William Ruto stands in honour of his memory. It is a fitting place of remembrance for a son of Kenya whose life was deeply intertwined with his country’s political evolution and whose influence will continue to be felt long after his departure.
We in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) join Mama Ida Odinga and the entire Odinga family, the Orange Democratic Movement, the people of Kenya, and friends and admirers across the world in commemorating the life and legacy of this remarkable African statesman.
To us, Raila Amolo Odinga was the political Moses of Kenya: a towering figure who helped lead his people through decades of political struggle, democratic agitation, and national transformation. His journey was never without controversy or contestation, but his determination to shape Kenya’s political future was unmistakable. He was a man whose political influence transcended generations and whose name became synonymous with the country’s long and often difficult quest for democratic maturity.
One year after his passing, the most fitting tribute to Baba is not simply to remember the man, but to preserve the ideals that defined his struggle. His legacy must continue to inspire a new generation of African leaders to pursue justice without fear, defend democracy without compromise, promote unity without discrimination, and serve the people with integrity.
One year on, Kenya has lost a giant, but history has gained an enduring statesman. Baba Raila Amolo Odinga may be gone, but his ideals live on in the hearts of millions, his contributions remain etched in Kenya’s democratic journey, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest in eternal peace, Mzee. Your sacrifices will not be forgotten, your contributions will remain part of our shared history, and your name will forever occupy a distinguished place in the story of Kenya and Africa.
The author is Walid Mulindwa Lubega
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) parts Deputy Secretary for Publicity, in charge of Publication and Documentation.
