- Rosemary Odinga shared a heartfelt message on Facebook marking exactly one year since her father, Raila Odinga, passed away
- The Odinga family organised a series of nationwide commemorations, including a candle-lighting ceremony and a main memorial service in Siaya County
- Kenyans flooded Rosemary's post with emotional tributes, celebrating her grace and the enduring legacy of the former opposition leader
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A year on, the grief is still raw.
Source: Facebook
Rosemary Odinga marked the first anniversary of her father Raila Odinga's death on October 15 with a deeply personal message shared on Facebook, asking Kenyans to let his life continue to inspire meaningful action.
How did Rosemary Odinga remember her father?
"Dad, we miss you dearly. May your vision inspire us to serve with renewed zeal, passion and commitment, each in our own way," she wrote, closing her tribute with a prayer of gratitude for all Kenyans who have walked alongside the family since his passing.
Raila, one of Kenya's most consequential political figures, died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
His loss triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, and many of his supporters felt they had never been given a proper opportunity to say goodbye.
How did Raila's 1st death anniversary unfold?
Rather than grieve privately, the Odinga family chose to mark the first anniversary with a series of structured public commemorations.
A National Steering Committee, led by Professor Adams Oloo, was formed to coordinate events across Kisumu, Kang'o ka Jaramogi and Bondo in Siaya County, ensuring the occasion remained accessible to ordinary Kenyans and Raila's broad base of supporters.
On October 14, Ida Odinga led a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony at Kang'o ka Jaramogi, inviting supporters to light candles from their homes and churches.
The family also officially received and dedicated Raila's mausoleum ahead of the main memorial service. On October 15, thousands gathered at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, alongside local elders and political leaders.
Ida made clear that the anniversary did not belong to any individual or institution, but to everyone whose life Raila had touched.
Her daughter Winnie echoed that sentiment by calling for a political ceasefire, urging leaders across the political divide to set aside their differences temporarily in honour of their father's memory.
Raila Odinga Jr. remembered his father as someone who could fill a stadium with inspiration before coming home to spend quiet, ordinary moments with his family, a man who taught his children to stand up for what was right and to defend the vulnerable.
See Rosemary's post below:
Kenyans react to the tribute
Rosemary's post resonated widely, with many Kenyans praising her composure and grace throughout the difficult year.
Grenis Anunda Gk wrote:
"The person who lied to us that baba will never die owes us an apology. Forever in our hearts."
Frank Mwita commented:
"The only lovely daughter baba had! Winnie haeleweki!"
Ambrose Wambiya said:
"The humility Mary has shown is commendable. Odinga family through Jaramogi and Jakom has struggled for a better country."
Josephine Ong'ayo added:
"Lit yawa Rozy... but it's well... Baba was a legend and legends don't die, they rest. We miss him too."
Akinyi Muyundo wrote:
"You are beautiful in and out. So gentle and poised. May Baba's soul rest in eternal peace."
Why did Winnie Odinga call out Kenya Airways?
TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Winnie’s cancelled Kenya Airways flight as she travelled home for Raila’s first death anniversary.
Her flight was cancelled on the eve of the main memorial service, leaving it unclear whether she would reach Bondo in time. She later shared a photo of a lit candle with the caption “Dad.”
Source: TUKO.co.ke