By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with EMMANUEL WANJALA
Published on 2024-01-17 12:12:38
On Saturday, January 20, Kenya will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Jaramogi Ajuma Oginga Odinga, the country’s founding Vice President. His son, Azimio leader Raila Odinga, has organized a memorial service to celebrate and honor his father’s legacy and impact on Kenya’s history.
The event will take place at the Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu and will feature renowned scholars, pan-Africanists, thought leaders, and journalists as speakers. Raila Odinga stated that the event will be addressed both physically and virtually by a distinguished group of individuals, reflecting the stature of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as a freedom fighter, family man, founding vice president, businessman, teacher, farmer, politician, and statesman.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, born in October 1911, was a prominent political figure and a leader of Kenya’s independence movement. He served as Minister for Home Affairs in 1963 and became the country’s Vice President in 1964 under the leadership of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. However, he resigned from the position in April 1966 due to his opposition to Kenyatta’s policies and remained a vocal leader of the opposition until his death.
Throughout his political career, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga mentored many politicians, scholars, and religious leaders who followed in his footsteps and held the government accountable. These individuals include prominent figures such as Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, freedom fighter Mzee Gitu Kahengeri, women’s rights campaigner Jael Mbogo, politician Mukhisa Kituyi, and Governor James Orengo, among others.
The memorial event will feature keynote speakers such as Professor Michael Chege and Governor Nyong’o, who both emphasized the significant role Jaramogi Oginga Odinga played in shaping Kenya’s destiny. Additionally, other speakers will include journalist John Kamau, Uganda’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Olara Otunnu, and scholars Prof David Throup and Prof Robert Maxon, who will provide insights into Jaramogi’s historical significance and enduring legacy.
Overall, the memorial service aims to honor and remember the contributions of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to Kenya’s history and inspire others to continue his legacy of speaking truth to power and advocating for change.
Read the original article on The Star
