Fidel death a painful blow to us, says family

The family of Cord leader Raila Odinga Saturday mourned their son Fidel Odinga as a beautiful person whose loss will take long to heal.

Mr Odinga said the son was the pride of the entire family of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga whose code name “hatari – for dangerous” will keep ringing bells of his conspicuous absence.

Mr Odinga led the family in appreciating messages of condolence from friends, family and wellwishers. He said the 41-year-old Fidel was the pride of the Odingas.

“He was a polite, respectful and hardworking honest man who had no enemies in this country,” said Mr Odinga.

He said the loss was difficult for the family and was only ameliorated by the love that Kenyans showed.

“My son has left behind a young boy who will always remind me of the struggle that we are yet to accomplish,” said Mr Odinga.

Similar sentiments were shared by family members who, in their eulogies, talked of a protector, wise judge and the face of peace in their home.

Mama Ida Odinga said his son’s life was shaped by the background of his experience during the time the father was in detention following the 1982 attempted coup.

Mrs Odinga said her son kept the family closely knit.

“Many people think that Fidel was born when the father was already a Prime Minister; this boy lived for more than 19 years without the glamour that people associated him with,” said Mrs Odinga.
She said she will put memories of her son in a book when the pain abates.

YOUNG WIFE

Mrs Odinga stirred the crowd when she asked in-laws to help take care of their young wife.

“We had shared with her these concerns; all we want is a person who will fit the shoes of the late Fidel,” said Mrs Odinga, a message that was also reiterated by Mr Odinga, to the laughter of the mourners.

Dr Oburu Oginga, Jaramogi’s eldest son, said the family believed that the death resulted from “cowardly acts of some human beings” who want to deter the push for reforms in the country.
“They want to slow us down as the opposition. But let them know that my brother Raila is a man of steel,” said Dr Oburu.

He said the death of the young Odinga will not only bring good tidings to the fight for the second liberation, but will also unite the Luo community.

Fidel’s siblings Rosemary and Raila Junior as well as uncles showered praise on their departed kin, saying they will miss his jokes and the happy times they shared together.

Rosemary Odinga told the crowd that her brother’s favourite song was a “redemption song by Bob Marley” which her elder brother gave to them as an encouragement as they grew up.

“We were close, used to compete in terms of the differences in our heights,” she said.

Kisumu Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga, Fidel’s aunt, said the death “must not go unanswered”.

She asked for speedy investigations into the death, saying the situation of an unexplained death was uncomfortable.

“The government has said that no stone will be left unturned,” said Ms Odinga.

Fidel was buried at the family’s cemetery at his grandfather’s home in Bondo, Siaya County.