Winny Odinga shakes hands with President William Ruto during the commissioning of Raila Odinga mausoleum in Bondo on October 7, 2026/PCS
EALA
MP Winnie
Odinga has called for a political ceasefire ahead of the October 15
commemoration of her father, the late former Prime Minister Raila
Odinga.
Winnie
urged
leaders across the political divide to set aside their differences
and focus on celebrating his life and legacy
Speaking
during the handover and dedication of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o
Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, the
legislator
said the family had invited Kenyans from across the political, ethnic
and regional divide to join them in remembering Raila.
She
said the event would bring together people with different political
convictions, including guests from neighbouring countries and beyond.
“On
October 15 we have invited people of different political inclination,
from different tribes and communities, from neighbouring countries
and beyond to join us in celebrating the memory of Baba,” Winnie
said.
She
acknowledged that those attending the commemoration would not
necessarily share the same political views, saying the family was not
asking anyone to abandon their beliefs.
“We
may hold different political convictions; we may disagree strongly
about the direction of our country, but you are welcome here. Nobody
is being asked to surrender their beliefs at the gate,” she said.
Winnie,
however, urged political leaders and their supporters to avoid
turning the occasion into a political contest, saying the day should
remain focused on Raila’s memory.
“As
a family, we call for a political ceasefire in his honour,” she
said.
She
appealed to those attending to ensure that October 15 does not become
a platform for political competition or confrontation.
“Please
let 15th be a day of remembrance and celebration. It should not
become a political showground, a competition of who owns the crowd,
who receives the loudest cheers or who can embarrass another guest,”
Winnie said.
Her
remarks came as the Odinga family prepares for a major public
commemoration of Raila across
various parts of the country this month.
The
ODM
party
has rolled out a month-long commemorative calendar dubbed “Mwezi
wa Baba” to mark one year since the passing of Raila.
The
commemorations
will formally conclude on October 31, 2026, with a final memorial
rally hosted in Nairobi County.
President
William Ruto presided over the commissioning and handover of the
Raila mausoleum.