Cord politicians, supports throng Siaya for Jaramogi's memorial service

Cord supporters Friday thronged the home of Kenya’s first Vice-President the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Siaya for a fete to celebrate his life and that of his departed grandson Fidel Odinga.

Before the memorial service, Cord co-principal Raila Odinga and his wife Ida led the family in laying a wreath at the two graves of their departed kin at their home in Kang'o Kajaramong in Siaya County.

In tribute to the former leader and his late grandson, the family said Jaramogi’s fight for democracy still remains the core of their motivation in life and it will keep burning in their hearts.

Cord leader Raila Odinga’s daughter, Ms Rosemary Odinga, and Dr Oburu Oginga’s son, Jaoko Oginga, said their grandfather’s legacy not only runs in the family but also among Kenyans who live by his principles.

MY HERO

Ms Odinga moved the crowd with her tribute to her late brother declaring that he was her “hero”.

"I owe my brother for the spirit of confidence he instilled in me. He taught me to be self-reliant and not to consider being born in the family of kings as the only step to success in life," Ms Odinga said.

She said she fondly remembers her brother for the role he played when their father was in detention and her mother was frequently arrested.

Ms Odinga said that it was Fidel who gave them confidence to walk to school and taught them to be responsible in life.

"He taught me to walk in my own footsteps. My hero was Fidel Odinga," declared Ms Odinga.

The late Fidel's wife Ms Lwam Bekele said it has been a tough year for her but was elated that the family has remained supportive.

"It has been a long while since Fidel left us. The year has been tough but we are glad to have sailed through because of the love we have as a family," Ms Bekele said.

For his part, Mr Jaoko Oburu remembered his late grandfather for the mysterious stories around his life.

"Growing in the umbrella of our grandfather has been a blessing to us as his immediate generation. We are always reminded of the stories of how he evaded arrest by turning into a fly," Mr Oburu.

"As a family, we are well aware of the lifelong mark that our grandfather left us with. We all carry around his inextricable character as a father and mentor," said the younger Oburu.

NOT YET UHURU

Reverend Johannes Angela, who presided over the memorial service, said Jaramogi’s ideals laid down in his political memoir ‘Not yet Uhuru’ still remain relevant to all Kenyans today.

"We cannot forget the ideals that created Jaramogi. Neither can we forget the ideals of his grandson Fidel for the short time he lived," said Mr Angela.

Some of the politicians who attended the memorial service included Cord co-principal Moses Wetang’ula, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Kisumu Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga, Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, Kisumu Deputy Governor and Raila's sister Ruth Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti, Migori Governor Okoth Obado, Raila's brother Dr Oburu Oginga, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and several politicians from the Coast region.