Raila Odinga's sister, Ruth Odinga, has called for renewed unity between the Kikuyu and Luo communities in honour of the former Prime Minister.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 22, at Raila's home in Bondo, Siaya County, Ruth revealed that the two communities' unity was one of Raila's last hopes before he passed away.
Ruth, who spoke when a delegation of Kikuyu elders visited the former Prime Minister's home for a prayer service at his grave, noted that alleged differences between the two communities were politically fuelled.
"In truth, the relationship between the Kikuyu and the Luos is good. Even before he passed away, he really wanted Kikuyus and Luos to unite and work together," Ruth said.
"But since he has passed away, let us continue working together. And you, as the elders, please help us to build the good relationship that existed between the two communities," he added.
In her speech, the Kisumu Woman Representative reminisced about her childhood growing up with former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the State Lodge in Kisumu.
She recalled the former head of state's close ties with Raila, adding that Uhuru Kenyatta was one of Raila's best friends from childhood due to the close association between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Uhuru's father, Jomo Kenyatta.
He, however, noted that despite the great friendship with the Kenyatta family, Uhuru and Raila only differed in political ideologies, insisting that their differences were never personal.
"I was brought up in the Kisumu state house alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and he was my best friend. We know each other because we lived together. Even Raila and Uhuru were very close friends," she narrated.
"They only differed in ideologies, but the friendship was there. What is happening in the current generation has only been motivated by political differences," Ruth added.
Ruth's comments come on the back of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga's contentious statements on Tuesday, October 21, in which he appeared to celebrate Raila's demise.
Kahiga sparked widespread outrage after making a provocative comment that appeared to mock Odinga's passing, terming it God's plan and a blessing in disguise for Mt Kenya region.
In a viral video, Kahiga was heard claiming that the former Prime Minister's demise would now free government resources for the Central region residents, who he alleged had immensely suffered since the establishment of the broad-based government.
