Winnie Odinga Reveals How Family Will Mark Raila’s Death Anniversary on October 15

Winnie Odinga has revealed how the family of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga plans to mark his death anniversary on October 15, calling on Kenyans and political leaders to set aside their differences and honour his memory.

Speaking during the Handover and Dedication of the Late Prime Minister Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya,  Winnie said the family had opened the occasion to people who shared different chapters of Raila’s life, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs.

She acknowledged that some of those attending may hold different political convictions or strongly disagree with the country’s leadership but said they would all be welcome.

According to Winnie, nobody should be expected to abandon their political beliefs in order to attend the commemoration.

“Like his family, we call for a political truce in his honor. Let October 15th be a day of remembrance and celebration,” she said.

Winnie Odinga Warns Against Political Spectacle During Raila’s Commemoration

The late Prime Minister’s daughter also cautioned against turning the commemoration into a competition between political leaders over who commands the biggest audience or receives the loudest applause.

Also Read: Raila Junior Explains Oburu’s Absence During Kang’o Ka Jaramogi Raila Odinga Mausoleum Handover

She said the occasion should not become a platform for embarrassing or undermining other guests who will attend to remember Raila.

“It must not become a place for political spectacle, a competition over who owns the audience, who receives the loudest applause, or who can embarrass another guest,” Winnie said.

She instead called for the day to be treated as an opportunity for people who knew Raila in different capacities to come together and honour his memory.

“The invitation to remember your friend and leader must not become a cause for fear and humility,” Winnie said.

Family Opens Raila’s Anniversary to Kenyans Across the Country

Winnie also reflected on the difficult years experienced by the family and the supporters who stood by Raila throughout his political journey.

She said Raila’s story could not be told without acknowledging the ordinary Kenyans who supported him, including those who travelled long distances, prayed for him and continued believing in his vision for the country.

Also Read: Remembering Raila: Meet the Man Who Gifted Him an Expensive Red Hummer During 2007 Campaign

According to Winnie, some of Raila’s supporters had endured difficult circumstances while remaining committed to the cause he represented.

She said their place in Kenya’s history should also be protected and remembered.

Therefore, Winnie extended the invitation beyond those who will physically attend the commemoration, saying Kenyans watching from their homes were also part of the remembrance.

She maintained that the family wanted the occasion to bring together people from different political backgrounds, tribes and communities, as well as those from neighbouring countries and beyond.

“This welcome includes all of you,” she said.

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EALA MP Winnie Odinga. PHOTO/ODM.