Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, on Monday, October 27, led a delegation of leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties to condole with the family of the late Raila Odinga.
Matiang’i was accompanied by former Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, former Kisii Senator Professor Sam Ongeri, former UDA Treasurer Omingo Magara, Janet Ong’era, and former MP Kemosi Mogaka
Other leaders in the delegation included: Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, and Obadiah Barongo of Bomachoge Borabu.
Mama Ida Odinga received the delegation at the Opoda Farm in Siaya, where they conveyed their condolences to the Odinga family.
Matiang’i signed a condolence book before he handed a portrait of himself with the late Raila to Mama Ida.
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The former Interior CS earlier announced via X that he was visiting Raila’s family to offer his condolences.
“I am on my way to the Odinga family home in Bondo to offer my heartfelt condolences to Mama Ida and the family on the loss of her beloved husband and one of Kenya’s greatest sons, the former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Matiang’i stated.
The visit to Bondo comes days after Matiang’i urged leaders from the Nyanza region to remain united following the passing away of Raila.
Speaking in Homa Bay County, Matiang’i praised Raila as a father figure who treated everyone from the Nyanza region as his own children.
The former CS asked Nyanza leaders to maintain the unity in honour of the late ODM leader.
“Raila had a way of keeping people together; he had a way of consulting. Even when we had something, we would go to him quietly; he never spoke about things before quietly managing them with people,” said Matiang’i.
He added, “All of us, whether you are from Kisii, Nyamira, Homabay, or Kisumu, Raila took all of us as his children. With that attitude and that way of keeping us together as a family, now is the time for us to pay the ultimate tribute to him by remaining together as a family because that is what he wanted.”
Matiang’i also reminisced about Raila’s deep ties in Kisii and Nyamira counties, saying the former Prime Minister has several friends in the two counties and would often spend nights in their homes.
Further, Matiang’i assured the Nyanza leaders that he is committed to ensuring unity across the Nyanza region.
“Those of us who will work with them, we pledge that we will continue to make our contribution in keeping the unity and keeping our warmth together,” he stated.
