Royal Media Services Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia on Thursday
visited Opoda Farm in Bondo to condole with Mama Ida Odinga and the Odinga
family following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Dr. Macharia, a long-time friend of the Odinga family,
joined mourners at the family’s rural home to pay tribute to Raila as a
selfless leader who dedicated his life to the fight for democracy and justice
in Kenya.
In an emotional address, Mama Ida Odinga reflected on the
family’s enduring friendship with Dr. Macharia, which dates back more than
three decades.
“On behalf of the Oginga family, I want to say a big thank
you to SK. The story of the Ogingas and SK goes a long way. It started way back
in the early 90s — around 1991 and 1992,” Mama Ida said.
She recounted how Dr. Macharia offered her support during
one of her most challenging moments in 1992, after she lost her teaching job
for the second time.
“I remember in early 1992, when I lost my job, SK was among
the first people to reach out. I had moved to Eddington House, where Moody’s
office was, and when SK came there, he thought I was a secretary — but I was
actually helping around the office. Since then, he has been with us through
many journeys,” she said.
Mama Ida praised Dr. Macharia for his compassion and
loyalty, describing him as a friend who has walked with the Oginga family
through decades of triumphs and trials.
“SK, I want to thank you so much for being around for the
Oginga family. May God bless you and your family,” she said.
Dr. Macharia, in his tribute, reflected on his deep bond
with the Odinga family that began during the era of the late Jaramogi Oginga
Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
“On the last day Jaramogi left Nairobi, we walked together
down the stairs of Agip House before he left for home. As I put him in the car,
he told me he would be back the following week — but that turned out to be his
last journey,” Dr. Macharia recalled.
He described both Jaramogi and Raila as towering figures who
sacrificed greatly for Kenya’s freedom and democracy.
“He was a great man — just like his father before him.
Father like son — both gave so much of themselves to this country. Maybe
history will tell us more, but for now, we know Kenya has lost one of its
greatest sons,” he said.
Dr. Macharia urged Mama Ida to take heart, assuring her that
Raila’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Take heart, Mama. He was a great man who gave to this
country what many will only understand in years to come,” he said.
The visit by Dr. Macharia is among a series of condolence
visits to the Odinga home, as leaders, dignitaries, and citizens continue to
pay tribute to the late statesman.
