Siaya Governor James Orengo has urged politicians to keep disruptive groups away from the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, accusing the national government of sponsoring goons as preparations for the commemoration intensify in Bondo.
Orengo made the remarks on Tuesday, October 13, during a media briefing at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds, where the memorial will be held on Thursday.
He called on those allegedly mobilising groups capable of causing violence to refrain from disrupting the event.
“The biggest of sponsors of goons in Kenya is the state, the national government, and persons and agencies working with the national government,” Orengo said.
The governor did not present publicly available evidence identifying specific state officials or agencies allegedly involved in sponsoring the groups.
His remarks came amid concerns over political tensions surrounding the gathering, which is expected to attract national leaders, foreign dignitaries and members of the public.
Orengo appealed to those attending to preserve the occasion as an opportunity to honour the late opposition leader rather than use it to settle political differences.
“I urge them, please keep them away from Raila’s great and big event. And I think even Mama Aida has pleaded that we leave those bad manners from such an occasion,” he said.
His warning followed claims by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that unnamed politicians were organising goons to attack him during the memorial. Owino did not publicly establish who was behind the alleged plan.
Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, also addressed journalists during the inspection of the grounds, calling for the commemoration to bring together Kenyans across political, religious and regional lines.
“Baba belonged to many people, belongs to many denominations, belonged to people, many parties,” Ida said.
Raila died aged 80 in India on October 15, 2025, after a political career that spanned decades and placed him at the centre of Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy.
He served as prime minister between 2008 and 2013 under the power-sharing arrangement established after the disputed 2007 presidential election.
Over the years, he was associated with several political parties, including Kanu, the National Development Party and Ford Kenya, before becoming the defining figure of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
His political alliances shifted over the years, but his influence extended across successive administrations and opposition movements, making him a significant figure in the country’s political history.
Ida said the expected attendance of visitors from across Kenya and abroad made it important for the country to reflect the values her husband represented.
“I would plead to Kenyans, we give our visitors who have come the correct image of what Baba stood for,” she said.
The family has invited people from different political backgrounds to participate in the memorial, which is expected to bring together former political allies, government officials, members of the diplomatic community and ordinary Kenyans.
The preparations follow the October 7 handover and dedication of Raila’s mausoleum at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, a ceremony presided over by President William Ruto. Public access to the mausoleum opened the following day.
Meanwhile, Siaya county officials said they were coordinating with national government agencies to provide security, manage crowds and ensure essential services were available during the memorial.
The arrangements include security assessments, crowd control, emergency response services, water and sanitation facilities and public health measures for the expected gathering.
“Just before this press conference, we have also had a security assessment, and we have made the necessary preparations to ensure that security will be provided and crowd control,” a county official said during the briefing.
The county said it was also working with national government agencies on public health arrangements, with attendance potentially reaching 20,000 people.
Officials also referred to Ebola protocols as part of the preparations but did not specify whether the measures were prompted by a particular threat or outbreak.
The security and logistical arrangements will be crucial as visitors travel to Bondo for an event expected to draw leaders from different political camps alongside members of the public.
Orengo said the grounds would remain open to everyone wishing to attend, maintaining that the commemoration should reflect the breadth of Raila’s political and national legacy.
The governor’s warning places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of political leaders and security agencies to prevent violence and ensure the event proceeds peacefully.
Raila’s first death anniversary falls on Thursday, October 15, with the public memorial scheduled to take place at Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Orengo said the grounds would remain open to everyone wishing to attend, insisting that the memorial should reflect the breadth of the late leader’s political and national legacy.
The governor’s warning places responsibility on political leaders and security agencies to ensure the commemoration proceeds peacefully, even as questions remain over the allegations of planned political violence.
Raila’s first death anniversary falls on Thursday, October 15, with the public gathering scheduled for Migwena Cultural and Sports Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
