Royal Media Services Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia, a long-time friend of the late Raila Odinga, on Thursday visited the Odinga family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, where the former Prime Minister was laid to rest on Sunday.
Dr. Macharia paid his respects at Mr. Odinga’s gravesite, honouring the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, who passed away last Wednesday while receiving treatment in India.
Accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Dr. Macharia later visited Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, at their Opada home in Bondo.
“I came to comfort Ida over the loss of her husband, who was also my dear younger brother. Our friendship goes back to the days of Jaramogi,” Dr. Macharia said, referring to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. “Jaramogi once asked me to look after his two sons—Raila and Oburu—and we have remained close ever since.”
He described Raila as “a great man, just like his father,” pledging to stand by the Odinga family during this difficult time. “Take heart, Mama Ida, we are with you,” he said, adding, “The true measure of Raila’s contribution to this country will be understood in the years ahead. He gave so much.”
Mama Ida expressed her gratitude to Dr. Macharia for his enduring friendship and support for the family since the early 1990s.
“He has walked with us through many journeys. I thank him sincerely for standing by us. May God bless you abundantly,” she said.
Following Odinga’s passing, Dr. Macharia eulogized him as a visionary leader whose courage and sacrifice helped shape Kenya’s modern political landscape. “My family and I have lost a brother and a great friend. Kenya has lost a statesman and a patriot,” he stated.
Since the burial, several leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have visited the Odinga family home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi to offer their condolences.
MMUST student dies after collapsing during KDF recruitment in Bungoma
