East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Oburu Odinga has revealed what the late former Gem MP Washington Jakoyo Midiwo told him and ODM Leader Raila Odinga prior to his demise.
According to the former Bondo MP, Midiwo warned them against attending funerals due to the surge of Covid-19 in the country.
Oburu revealed that Midiwo called and warned that he and Raila should not attend the burial of their late uncle Peter Odima who was buried on Saturday, June 12, and his sister Julia Adhiambo Owino who will be interred this Saturday, June 19.
Midiwo's grandmother, uncle and sister are reported to have succumbed to Covid-19. He was a cousin to the Odingas.
Oburu and Raila took Midiwo's advice and kept off their uncle's burial. The event was closely guarded and was only attended by former Police Spokesperson Charles Owino and Siaya Deputy Governor James Okumbe.
Read More
The late former Gem MP was concerned about the recklessness of mourners and the massive exposure to the Covid-19 virus.
"He called me and told me Covid-19 was really killing our people, and it is in such funeral ceremonies that we might get exposed because we would draw crowds," Oburu told Daily Nation on June 16.
He noted that Midiwo adviced them to attend funerals only after the virus had slowed down. It is, however, not clear if the two leaders will attend his burial.
"I cannot make the decision alone, we will sit and decide whether we will attend the burial or just plan for decent burials. It is sad that the people of Nyanza are not afraid of the virus, once they see you and they are excited, they fall on you and insist on greeting you, oblivious of the danger it poses," Oburu stated.
According to Ruth Odinga, Midiwo died of cardiac arrest.
