The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a special memorial prayer service for its late leader, former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, to be held in Uganda. The service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM EAT at the All Saints Cathedral in Kampala. [2, 16, 17] This follows Mr. Odinga's death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. [14, 19, 21]

In a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, October 27, 2025, the party expressed gratitude to the organizers, including Captain Mike Mukula, the National Chairman of the Pan-African Movement Uganda Chapter. [2, 17] The service, which will be led by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Steven Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, underscores Mr. Odinga's long-standing ties with the neighbouring country, where he once sought political refuge in the early 1990s. [16, 17]

A Nation in Mourning

Mr. Odinga, a central and often polarising figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, passed away from a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, southern India, where he was receiving medical treatment. [14, 18, 20, 23] His death was confirmed by hospital officials and announced to the nation by President William Ruto, who described Odinga as a “towering figure in Kenya's democracy” and declared a period of national mourning. [16, 19] The former prime minister’s body was repatriated to Kenya, with a state funeral held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo, Siaya County. [5, 12]

During the funeral, President Ruto revealed that he had been in communication with Mr. Odinga's family during his final days and that the government had been aware of his health struggles. [12, 13] Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum and the world. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, with whom Odinga had a famous political truce in 2018, remembered him as a “steadfast champion for the people.” [18] Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan stated that Africa had lost a “brilliant leader,” while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as a “cherished friend of India.” [14]

ODM Navigates Leadership Transition

In the wake of its leader's death, the ODM party has moved to manage the significant political vacuum. During its first Central Management Committee meeting since Mr. Odinga's passing, held at Chungwa House in Nairobi on October 27, 2025, the party officially endorsed Senator Oburu Oginga, Mr. Odinga's elder brother, as the new party leader. [2, 4, 10] The appointment, first made on an acting basis on October 16, is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity during what the party called a “difficult period.” [4, 11]

In a statement read by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, the party's leadership urged members to unite behind Dr. Oginga and resist internal conflicts over political inheritance. [4, 5] “True inheritance is not a name or a position but a mission. That mission is to continue the struggle for a Kenya that works for all children, regardless of tribe, class, or creed,” the party stated. [5] Mr. Sifuna also affirmed ODM's commitment to remain within the broad-based government arrangement with President Ruto's administration until 2027, a pact entered into for the sake of national peace and stability. [4, 5, 11]

A Legacy Honoured at Home and Abroad

The memorial in Kampala is part of a series of events planned to celebrate Mr. Odinga's legacy. ODM has also announced memorial services in several Kenyan counties, including Magarini in Kilifi County on November 2 and 3, followed by services in Homa Bay and Migori counties on November 5 and 6, 2025. [2, 30] These events are intended to give millions of Kenyans an opportunity to mourn and reflect on his impact. [30]

Furthermore, the party confirmed it will proceed with its 20th-anniversary celebrations, themed “ODM@20,” scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Mombasa. [2, 30] The event will focus on honouring Mr. Odinga's foundational role in building one of Kenya's most consequential political movements over the last two decades. [5, 30] As the party navigates its future without its iconic founder, its immediate focus remains on preserving his legacy of advocating for democracy, devolution, and social justice. [8, 11]