Preparations for the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga are almost complete, with organisers assuring the public of adequate security, crowd control and health measures at the main memorial in Bondo, Siaya County.
Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo, who is the vice-chairperson of the National Steering Committee, said facilities at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds, the main venue for Thursday’s commemoration, would be fully installed by evening today. The grounds can accomodate up to 10,000 people, while organisers are preparing for a total crowd of about 20,000.
“We expect that tomorrow, we will start the event as early as 6:00 a.m. with various sorts of performances and intermittent performances by various groups,” Amolo said during an inspection of the venue.
The family has insisted that the anniversary remain a day of remembrance, not a platform for political competition. Amolo urged attendees to avoid partisan attire and instead wear national hats, saying the late Odinga belonged to all Kenyans.
“The family emphasises that tomorrow is a day where everyone is invited, but not to come and do politics, but to come and remember Raila Amolo Odinga,” he said.
An interdenominational church service led by the Anglican Church will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by tributes from family members, dignitaries and international guests.
The official international candle lighting ceremony will take place at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the Odinga family home in Bondo. Preliminary proceedings begin at 4:30 p.m., with Mama Ida Odinga scheduled to light the first candle at 6:00 p.m.
Supporters in Kenya and abroad have been encouraged to light candles in Odinga’s memory and share photographs through [email protected].
Siaya County Secretary Elizabeth Adongo said the county government had completed a joint security assessment with the national security team, the national administration and the Odinga family. She said public health measures, including Ebola screening protocols, had been put in place ahead of the expected crowds.
