By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with PERPETUA ETYANG
Published on 2024-01-20 17:25:58
Azimio leader Raila Odinga expressed his gratitude to the leaders and Kenyans who came to the 30th memorial ceremony of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. In a statement, Raila acknowledged the significance of the reflections shared at the event, stating that they brought forth memories that will continue to inspire. He emphasized that the tributes and discussions at the memorial served as a way to reconnect with the spirit of his father’s life and times, highlighting Jaramogi’s dedication to freedom that continues to resonate and inspire others.
The anniversary of Jaramogi offered a glimpse into the strong relationship the Odinga family had with their patriarch. This was the first time the family held the celebrations of Jaramogi’s memorial away from their home in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County. The memorial service marked exactly 30 years since Kenya’s founding Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga passed away.
Raila organized the memorial service to celebrate and honor his father’s legacy and his place in Kenya’s history. The event was attended by renowned scholars, pan-Africanists, thought leaders, journalists, and other dignitaries who all paid tribute to Jaramogi. They eulogized him as a freedom fighter, a family man, and an inspiration to future generations.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was a prominent political figure and one of Kenya’s key freedom fighters who played a crucial role in securing the country’s independence. He held the position of Minister for Home Affairs in 1963 and became the Vice President under Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, in 1964.
In 1991, Jaramogi co-founded and became the interim chairman of the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy (FORD) party. This was a significant development that led to a shift in Kenya’s political landscape, ultimately ending KANU’s 40-year grip on power in 2002, eight years after Odinga’s death. However, FORD split into two splinter groups before the 1992 elections.
Jaramogi passed away in 1994 and was buried at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum in his Bondo home known as “Kang’o ka Jaramogi”. The memorial was attended by various leaders including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and the chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, Ker Odungi Randa, among others.
Read the original article on The Star
