Governor Orengo Warns Against Political Disruptions Ahead Of Raila Odinga Memorial

Siaya Governor James Orengo has cautioned political actors against mobilizing disruptive groups during the upcoming first-anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, alleging that elements within the national government have previously sponsored political agitators.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during an inspection of the Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo—the main venue for Thursday’s public commemoration—Orengo called for calm and restraint ahead of the multi-day event.

“The biggest sponsors of goons in Kenya is the state, the national government, and persons and agencies working with the national government,” Orengo claimed, without providing specific details. “I urge them, please keep them away from Raila’s great and big event. Even Mama Ida has pleaded that we leave those bad manners away from such an occasion.”

The Governor’s statements follow concerns raised by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who alleged that unnamed political rivals were planning to hire groups to disrupt his attendance at the Bondo service.

Ida Odinga Calls for National Unity

Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, who accompanied county officials during the venue inspection, urged Kenyans to honor her late husband’s legacy by maintaining peace and welcoming visitors from across the country and abroad.

“Baba belonged to many people, belongs to many denominations, belonged to many parties,” Ida said. “I would plead to Kenyans that we give our visitors who have come the correct image of what Baba stood for.”

Raila Odinga passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, marking the end of a decades-long political career that shaped Kenya’s constitutional and democratic development.

Security, Logistics, and Ebola Screening Protocols

Siaya County officials confirmed that joint planning with national security agencies is underway to handle an expected turnout exceeding 20,000 attendees, including foreign dignitaries, diplomats, and state officials.

Logistical arrangements encompass crowd control, emergency medical response, sanitation facilities, and public health screening protocols—including routine Ebola monitoring at entry points following recent regional health advisories.

The main memorial service will take place on Thursday, October 15, at the Migwena grounds, following the recent dedication of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi by President William Ruto.