Royal Media Services Chairman SK Macharia on Thursday, October 23, visited the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, to offer his condolences.
Macharia arrived in Bondo in the morning and landed at Raila’s Opoda farm, where he was received by several leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
He proceeded to the gravesite of the late Raila, where he paid his final respects before joining Mama Ida Odinga at their home for a meeting.
Speaking during the visit, Macharia reflected on his long-standing friendship with the Odinga family, which he said dates back to the era of Raila’s father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
"I came to see Ida Odinga. She has been left by her husband, who was also my brother. Our friendship goes back to Jaramogi’s time. He (Jaramogi) told me he had two sons, Oburu and Odinga, and since I was older than both, I should take care of them.
Read More
"So when you heard rumours that I am supporting Raila, it's because they're my brothers; they were left to me," he said.
Wanga, who welcomed Macharia to Bondo, expressed deep appreciation for his visit and friendship with the Odinga family over the years.
"We are truly grateful to have been visited today by a great friend of the Jaramogi family and of Baba, SK Macharia. We deeply appreciate that he took the time to come and see where his dear friend has been laid to rest," she said.
The visit added to the growing list of leaders and close associates who have made their way to Bondo to pay tribute to Raila.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, October 20, paid a visit to the family, just a day after the former Prime Minister was laid to rest.
In a statement, the Office of the 4th President of Kenya said Uhuru also visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where other members of the Odinga family are buried.
"A day after the burial of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, visited the Odinga family at Opoda Farm and Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where the former Premier was laid to rest.
"The former Head of State condoled with the family and paid tribute to the life and legacy of his longtime friend and compatriot. Kenyatta also visited the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum to honor the memory of the Odinga family’s enduring contribution to Kenya’s history and democracy," the statement read.
Photos from the visit showed Uhuru warmly received by members of the Odinga family, including Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and Raila's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
