Raila Odinga Memorial Draws Karua, Sifuna and Babu Owino as Ruto Skips

Opposition leaders and supporters have gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, to mark the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death, as President William Ruto continues his development tour of the North Rift.

Among those attending the memorial at Migwena grounds are People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and TEP party leader Edwin Sifuna, who travelled through Kisumu before heading to Bondo. Karua paid tribute to Raila upon arriving in Kisumu, describing him as a trusted colleague and personal friend. 

Sifuna travelled to the memorial alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. The two shared social media posts showing them departing Kisumu International Airport for Bondo. Their attendance follows an earlier candle-lighting ceremony involving Raila’s family, political allies and supporters.

Raila, who died in October 2025, was one of Kenya’s most prominent political figures. His career spanned several decades, during which he campaigned for multiparty democracy, constitutional reforms and electoral accountability. His role in shaping the country’s political development continues to feature in national debates.

The memorial coincides with Ruto’s ten-day development tour of the Rift Valley, during which the President is visiting government projects and overseeing new investments across the region. On the fourth day of the tour, Ruto’s itinerary covers parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties. His planned engagements include commissioning roads, inspecting affordable housing projects and distributing thousands of land title deeds.

The programme also features activities in healthcare, education and public service delivery. These include commissioning facilities at the Kenya Medical Training College, opening government service centres and supporting women entrepreneurs. The President is also scheduled to visit sports facilities and fresh produce markets as part of the administration’s efforts to promote local economic activity.

The tour follows Ruto’s visit to Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where he officially commissioned Raila’s mausoleum.