Mama Ida Odinga speaks during the unveiling of the committee on September 17, 2026/Screengrab
The Kenya School of Government has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy as part of efforts to honour the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Mama Ida Odinga said the academy has been designated a centre of excellence to foster diligent governance practices, public sector leadership and public administration studies.
She spoke during a press conference on activities planned to honour Raila as the country approaches the first anniversary of his passing.
“The Kenya School of Government has established the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, designated as a centre of excellence to foster diligent governance practices, public sector leadership, and public administration studies,” Mama Ida said.
She said the family has also instituted a national steering committee to oversee activities linked to the celebrations.
“Please note that all the commemorative activities and events and institutional initiatives regarding the celebration of Raila Odinga will be conducted under the direct guidance of this committee,” she said.
The University of Nairobi is also establishing the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy, which is set to be officially launched during the week of celebrations.
Mama Ida welcomed the institutional initiatives, saying the family was grateful for the academic and diplomatic honours being extended in Raila’s memory.
“In this spirit of institutional partnership, we are profoundly grateful for the diplomatic and academic honours being extended in his memory across national institutions,” she said.
She singled out Daystar University, which she said had initially commenced plans for an elaborate symposium in Raila’s memory and celebrations.
The commemorative committee brings together representatives from government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the family.
It is chaired by Prof Adams Oloo, with Otiende Amollo also serving on the committee.
Mama Ida said the celebrations would not be limited to the committee, urging Kenyans to take part in the events.
“These celebrations do not belong to the committee; they belong to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome,” she said.
She said the first anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise Raila’s wider legacy beyond political affiliations.
“As we approach the first anniversary of his passing, we recognize that his legacy belongs to every Kenyan who believes in democracy, justice, and peace,” she said.
She added that Kenyans with different political viewpoints were also part of the shared desire for a better country.