By Anderson Ojwang
Who are the vultures in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) cups and tents planning for the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga’s anniversary?
This is the question that may form part of the conversation as we head to the first Raila Odinga anniversary after the ODM Central Committee on Thursday released a programme and events for the occasion.
And Raila’s younger sister and Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga sparked a storm with her post on social media platforms, pointing fingers at vultures in the party planning for the anniversary.
Odinga wrote, “We are heading for 15th October and already vultures of ODM cups and tents are now planning – Raila was an enigma! Wacheni Upuzi!”
Cups and Tents
During the Linda Ground rallies, Ruth Odinga complained of money flowing into ODM that was used to hire tents and hotels, a new concept in the party.
“Where is the money used to fly choppers, procure big tents, and mobilize and brand crowds in ODM colours coming from, yet the same money cannot be sent to the ODM Party bank accounts? That only means one thing: control.
So they must be the ones controlling the show, where they decide who is ‘invited’ to the Linda Ground tents and what they say once they get there. Anything outside the script attracts immediate booing, as was the case with Suba North MP Hon. Millie Odhiambo at the Ciala Resort in Kisumu,” she said then.
Press statement
On Thursday, the ODM Central Committee, after its meeting, released a statement detailing the programme and events to mark Raila’s anniversary.
The ODM leadership christened the month of October as Mwezi wa Baba (Baba’s Month) commemoration.
The statement read in parts, “Ladies and Gentlemen, October marks one year since the demise of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, the founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. It was a tearful moment; we were all heartbroken. God plucked the best flower from our midst.
The ODM party has dedicated the entire month of October to his memory,”
The party said, in recognition of Raila’s tireless contribution to the country’s democracy and his Pan-Africanism, the party was dedicating the month of October as MWEZI WA BABA with the following activities:
“2nd October 2026 – Candle lighting; Kenyans will be requested to light candles wherever they are, either in organised groups or individually, in remembrance of BABA. This candle-lighting will take place at 6:00 pm across the country,” read the statement.
On 9th October 2026, the statement said the party will hold a major Memorial rally in Kakamega Town, which will bring together supporters from all the Counties of the Western Kenya region, namely Kakamega, Vihiga, Busia, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
“From 10th to 15th of October 2026: family-led activities;
This will culminate in the main memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo,” read the statement.
Itinerary
On 17th October 2026 – a memorial rally in Garissa Town.
This will bring together members and supporters from Northern Kenya counties of Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo and Marsabit.
On 18th–19th of October 2026 – Memorial activities in the Coastal region.
On 21st October 2026 – Kajiado County memorial activities, 23rd to 25th October 2026 – Turkana County memorial activities and 31st of October 2026 – MWEZI WA BABA memorial rally in Nairobi County.
“We urge all our supporters to rededicate their commitment to BABA’S ideals,” read the statement.
The irony
After the announcement of Raila’s death by President William Ruto, only then Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna went to India to bring the body back to the country.
Unfortunately, while Raila’s body was still airborne, the party’s top organs had met and chosen Dr Oburu Oginga as the interim party leader and he was only made aware of his new role at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he had gone to receive the body of his younger brother.
Oburu expressed shock but accepted the appointment to become the acting party leader and was recently ratified by the Special Delegates Conference as the party leader.
Oburu in UK for routine medical check-up
Oburu recently travelled to the United Kingdom for a routine medical check-up, days after he was briefly admitted to Nairobi Hospital.
“I am currently in the UK to undergo a thorough, routine medical check-up. This visit follows the direct advice of both my doctors and the party leadership to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of my health, while allowing me a dedicated period of rest and rejuvenation,” Oburu said on Thursday.
Oginga said the temporary step back from party activities was also a strategic opportunity for ODM to demonstrate its institutional strength.
He said Deputy Party Leaders Paul Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, together with the National Central Committee and the party secretariat, would oversee the party’s day-to-day operations during his absence.
“As I attend to these personal health routine checks, that naturally come with advancing years, I view taking this step back as a deliberate, strategic moment for our movement,” he said, adding that he had “absolute faith” in the collective leadership of the party to steer the movement effectively.
On September 1, Oginga dismissed reports that he had been seriously ill or readmitted to Nairobi Hospital, saying he had only briefly visited the facility for a general check-up with his doctors before returning home.
“I had only briefly visited the hospital for a general check-up with my doctors and have since returned home,” Oginga said at the time.
He further sought to reassure Kenyans that there was no cause for alarm, saying he would inform the public should he develop any serious health complications.
“Being sick is a normal human experience and should not alarm anyone. The day I am truly sick, I will inform you all, for I am a very transparent person,” he said.
