Raila Anniversary Organisers Warn ‘Goons’ to Stay Away From Commemorations

Organisers of events marking the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death have warned people planning to cause disorder to stay away from the commemorations.

Prof Adams Oloo, chairperson of the national steering committee coordinating the events, said the celebrations would bring together Kenyans from different political, religious and regional backgrounds. Oloo said the committee wanted the commemorations to reflect the values associated with the late former Prime Minister and not become an extension of partisan politics.

He said Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, had instructed organisers to welcome members of the public but exclude individuals who intended to disrupt the events.

“This celebration shall be about the people. She (Mama Ida) told me that all the people are invited, but goons are also people. She told me three times that they are not invited, although they are people,” Oloo said.

He said the commemorations would have a national character and would not be limited by religious, ethnic or regional differences.

“This celebration has to be national; it knows no religion, it has no boundary. It has to reflect what Baba was,” he said.

Oloo spoke after Ida unveiled the committee responsible for coordinating the programme of activities planned for the first anniversary. The committee includes representatives from the Government, political institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector and the Odinga family.

Ida said the celebrations should not be regarded as the property of the committee or the family, but as an opportunity for ordinary Kenyans to remember Raila.
She said many people had not been able to mourn him in the way they wanted and that the anniversary programme would provide another opportunity to commemorate his life and public contribution.

“These celebrations do not belong to the committee; they belong to the people. Baba’s people are all welcome,” Ida said.

She also said the steering committee would serve as the main coordinating body for activities being organised in Raila’s name. Commemorative events and institutional initiatives linked to the anniversary will be coordinated through the committee, including programmes being developed by universities and other institutions.

Among the initiatives is the Raila Odinga Regional Leadership Academy, being established by the Kenya School of Government as a centre of excellence in governance, public-sector leadership and public administration. The University of Nairobi is also establishing the Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy, which is expected to be launched during the anniversary week.

Ida also mentioned Daystar University, which is preparing a major symposium in Raila’s memory. The initiatives form part of a wider programme through which institutions are seeking to preserve aspects of Raila’s public legacy through programmes focused on leadership, democracy and governance.

Ida said the commemorations should extend beyond Raila’s political supporters and reflect issues associated with his public life, including democracy, justice and peace. She also acknowledged that Kenyans hold different political views.