- Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna paid tribute to Raila Odinga by lighting six candles beneath the late former prime minister’s portrait in his office
- Sifuna skipped the family-led candlelighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, attended by Ida Odinga, James Orengo and other leaders
- The six candles sparked speculation among Sifuna’s supporters, with some linking them to his reported ambitions to become Kenya’s sixth president
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has paid tribute to his late political mentor, Raila Odinga, in a personal gesture that has sparked speculation among his supporters about the meaning behind six candles he lit in his office.
Source: Facebook
Sifuna skipped a candlelighting ceremony held at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family’s ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, on Wednesday, October 14. The event brought together Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders to honour the former prime minister ahead of the anniversary of his death.
Raila died on October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India. The candlelighting ceremony was scheduled for 6 pm on Wednesday as supporters and political allies prepared to mark one year since his passing.
How Sifuna commemorated Raila's death
Instead of joining the gathering in Bondo, Sifuna chose to commemorate the former ODM leader from his Nairobi office. He lit six candles in a corner beneath a portrait of Raila, sharing a photograph of the tribute on social media.
"Shine on your way boss," Sifuna captioned the image, prompting reactions from supporters who interpreted the gesture in different ways.
Some of Sifuna’s supporters were quick to link the six candles to his reported presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election, interpreting the number as a possible reference to his desire to become Kenya’s sixth president.
However, the senator did not explain the significance of the six candles in his post, leaving the interpretation to his supporters.
The candlelighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi is part of a series of activities organised to mark the first anniversary of Raila’s death. The main memorial gathering is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, where family members, political leaders and members of the public are expected to celebrate his life and legacy.
Organisers have encouraged Kenyans to set aside political differences and use the anniversary to reflect on Raila’s decades of public service, his role in the struggle for multiparty democracy and the ideals he championed.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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