Thousands of people gathered at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Kisumu for a candlelight vigil in memory of former opposition leader and ODM party chief Raila Odinga.
ODM supporters, residents and political leaders attended the memorial, lighting candles and paying tribute to Odinga, whose political career spanned several decades.
Kisumu Woman Representative aspirant Peninah Odoro attended the vigil and supported the purchase of candles for participants.
Odoro said the turnout reflected the strong support Odinga enjoyed in Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region.
“Raila was loved by the people, and the huge turnout here is a clear indication of the place he held in the hearts of many,” Odoro said.
She urged his supporters to preserve what she described as the values and ideals associated with his political career.
“We should continue remembering Raila even in death because his contribution to our country and to the people of Kisumu cannot be forgotten,” she said.
Odinga was a prominent figure in Kenya’s opposition politics and remained closely associated with Kisumu and the wider Nyanza region throughout his career.
Odoro said commemorating Odinga should extend beyond public events, urging supporters to keep his political legacy alive in their communities.
“Lighting a candle is a simple gesture, but it carries a powerful message of remembrance, unity and respect for a leader who touched many lives,” she said.
She also thanked residents for attending the vigil, saying the gathering demonstrated the enduring connection between Odinga and his supporters in the region.
Odoro is seeking to contest the Kisumu Woman Representative seat on an ODM ticket.
The vigil was among events held by Odinga’s supporters to commemorate his life and political career.
Residents held candles as they observed the memorial at the stadium, in a gathering marked by mourning and reflection.
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