Uhuru Park is packed to the brim as thousands of Kenyans turned up Friday evening for a candle-lighting vigil in honour of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The crowds started arriving hours before the 6pm ceremony, filling the park with candles, flowers, portraits and Raila memorabilia.
By evening, the iconic grounds were overflowing, with music and dance performances setting the stage for a night dedicated to remembering the former opposition chief.
ODM leaders, political allies, artistes and Raila supporters are expected at the event, with the huge turnout spilling into the surrounding city streets and disrupting normal movement in parts of Nairobi.
The vigil is part of Mwezi wa Baba, a month-long programme organised to honour Raila’s life and political legacy ahead of the first anniversary of his death on October 15.
Events at Uhuru Park began at 3pm, with various artistes scheduled to perform before and after the candle-lighting ceremony.
Supporters have travelled from different parts of the country, many carrying candles and flowers as they join the public remembrance of a man who dominated Kenya’s opposition politics for decades.
The Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee and ODM have lined up activities throughout October, giving Kenyans an opportunity to participate in commemorating Raila’s life and legacy.
