Turkana County remembers Raila Odinga with candle-lit vigil
By Luke Oluoch, October 19, 2025Residents of Turaka County on Saturday, October 18, 2025, held a candle-lit vigil in honour of the departed former Prime Minister on the eve of his burial.
Led by Orange Democratic Movement Deputy Leader John Ariko and the community elders, the county joined thousands of people across the nation in paying tribute to the departed ODM leader.
In a rare show of solidarity for a town miles away from where Raila Odinga’s burial is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 19, 2025, in Bondo, residents hailing from Kakuma, Lokichar and Lodwar assembled for the function.
The residents signed a condolences book to signify their appreciation for the veteran politician’s immense contributions, sacrifices, and lifelong dedication to the people of Kenya.
In a statement on his Facebook page on Saturday, October 18, 2025, the MP thanked the residents for turning out in numbers to express their outpouring of love for his former party leader.
“Such an overwhelming love for Baba from Turkana even in his eternal rest. Turkana, Tunakupenda na Tutakupenda Baba. Your spirit will forever be alive. Thank you Lodwar, Kakuma and Lokichar, for joining the country in mourning and celebrating the life of Baba,” he said.
Candle vigil across Kenya
Similar vigils were held across Kenya in several forgotten corners of the nation in honour of Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, while receiving treatment in India.
The areas include Eldoret, Watamu Ward in Kilifi County, Kondele Flyover and Kondele People’s Park (Roundabout) in Kisumu, Kericho at the Kericho National Polytechnic, Kibabii in Bungoma County by the university comrades, and Kivumbini in Mombasa, among other far-flung places across Kenya.
The foregoing comes as the daughter of Raila, Winnie Odinga, expressed her deepest gratitude to Kenyans for their unwavering support and condolences following the passing of her father.
Winnie Odinga lauds Kenyans
In a message on her Facebook page on Saturday, October 18, 2025, moments before Raila’s body left Kisumu, Winnie acknowledged the multitude of mourners who turned up in their numbers at Kisumu Mamboleo grounds to pay homage to her father.
“To the thousands of Kenyans who have stood with us, who have come to pay their respects, who are mourning with us across the nation and the world, we see you,” she said.
Winnie termed the massive outpouring of emotions as an expression of the people’s love for her father.
“We feel your love. Thank you for honouring him. Thank you for respecting him even in his death. Your strength is giving us strength… JOWI!!” she said.