Dr. S.K. Macharia Pays Tribute to Raila Odinga During Visit to Siaya Home
Mama Ida Odinga reciprocated Dr. Macharia’s long-time friendship and solidarity, especially in times of national and personal challenges.
The visit by Dr. Macharia is one of several condolence visits to the Odinga family after the burial. Photo/courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Royal Media Services (RMS) Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia, a close friend and confidant of the late Raila Odinga, visited the Odinga family residence in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, on Thursday. The visit followed a few days after the burial of the former Prime Minister, who was buried on Sunday after his death in India last week.
Dr. Macharia began his visit by placing a wreath at the grave of Mr. Odinga in honor of respect and remembrance of the founder of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the latter being close political allies of the Odinga family. Later, the media tycoon visited Opoda Farm in Bondo, where he went to Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s wife, personally to condole.
“I had visited to console Ida after the death of her husband, who was a national figure and also my junior brother and good friend,” Dr. Macharia stated. “My acquaintance with him goes back several decades, to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father. Jaramogi asked me to look after his sons, Raila and Oburu, because I was older, and we have been close since then.”
The RMS chairman lauded the deceased Odinga as “a visionary and a man of immense courage,” stating that his legacy will continue to shape Kenya for the next few decades to come. “The true appreciation of what Raila contributed to this nation will be savored more in the years ahead. He gave all he had for the sake of Kenya’s democracy and coexistence,” said Dr. Macharia, vowing the Odinga family his continued support.
Mama Ida Odinga reciprocated Dr. Macharia’s long-time friendship and solidarity, especially in times of national and personal challenges. “Dr. Macharia has been with our family for decades, both in times of trouble and of triumph. I greatly appreciate his visit and his comforting words. May God bless him,” she said.
In his first statement upon Odinga’s death, Dr. Macharia praised him as a “great statesman, patriot, and friend,” recalling his resilience through decades of political arrest, exile, and battles for reforms. He said the loss of ODM leader was a personal tragedy to his family and an incredible loss to the country.
The visit by Dr. Macharia is one of several condolence visits to the Odinga family after the burial. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also made a visit to Kang’o ka Jaramogi earlier during the week to pay his respect for the deceased opposition leader.
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