Kampala to Host Memorial Service Honouring Late Raila Odinga

A memorial service will be held in Kampala on Tuesday, 28 October, to honour the late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister, whose leadership and influence left a lasting mark on East Africa.

The service, to be led by the Most Reverend Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, will take place at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero. It has been organised by Ugandan political leaders and civil society groups in recognition of Odinga’s close ties with Uganda and his contribution to regional unity.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Odinga’s political party, expressed gratitude to Captain Mike Mukula, National Chairman of the Pan-African Movement’s Uganda chapter, and JB John Baptist Ouma for coordinating the event. In a statement, ODM described the memorial as “an honour” and extended “special thanks” to Mukula and his team for their role in organising the tribute.

Odinga’s connection with Uganda dates back to the early 1990s, when he fled political persecution under President Daniel arap Moi’s government. Travelling in secrecy and using false identities, he crossed into Uganda and sought protection from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees before being granted asylum in Norway. 

The experience shaped his political path and established a lasting bond with Uganda. After returning to the region, Odinga maintained close relations with President Yoweri Museveni and took an active role in regional cooperation. 

His career, built on calls for reform and democratic governance, earned him recognition across the continent. The decision to hold a memorial in Uganda reflects both his personal friendships and his commitment to Pan-African ideals.

Odinga died on 15 October in India, where he had travelled for medical treatment. He suffered a cardiac arrest and was buried on 19 October at his family’s home in Siaya County, next to his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.