President Ruto skips Raila Odinga anniversary, tours Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo

President William Ruto chose a development tour of two counties over attending the one‑year memorial for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, while opposition leaders gathered at the ceremony.

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On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, President William Ruto did not travel to Bondo, Siaya County, where thousands assembled at Migwena grounds to commemorate the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s death.

Instead, the president embarked on a working tour of Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties, commissioning projects and inspecting market facilities.

Among the opposition attendees were Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua.

Ruto posted a tribute on Facebook, sharing a memorial graphic that had drawn more than 115,000 likes by the time of reporting.

During the county visits, he commissioned the NG‑CDF office in Eldama Ravine, Baringo, and launched the Timboroa‑Lawina Ochi road and last‑mile connectivity project in Poror.

In Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet, Ruto inspected the KSh 205 million Chepkorio Modern Market, built for 200 traders, and highlighted a KSh 12 billion investment programme that includes housing units, additional markets and student hostels.

Raila Odinga’s family had invited leaders from across the political spectrum and asked mourners to keep the focus on his life rather than political campaigning.