Raila Odinga on Sunday hosted Muhoho Kenyatta and Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju at Bondo for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s 25th-anniversary ceremony.
The former Prime Minister and the Odinga family held a memorial ceremony at their ancestral home in Siaya County in memory of their late father and Kenya’s first Vice President.
Muhoho Kenyatta's presence at the event marks the seemingly cordial and renewed friendship between Raila and President Uhuru.
For instance, on Saturday the Head of State even shared a ride with Raila when he visited Kisumu for the burial of Bruce Odhiambo.
During the event that was graced by several politicians from Nyanza region and beyond, Raila gave a great and glowing tribute to his father.
Raila described his father as someone who was a selfless and spirited leader. He said he observed him as someone that paved the way for the self-rule of the country.
"Twenty five years ago today, you left us. But your spirit and selfless actions continue to inspire us in Kenya and millions across Africa. On this day we honour you Jaramogi," he stated.
It is interesting to note that the lives of the Jaramogi and Kenyatta family have a long shared history.
Jaramogi who passed away on January 20, 1994 had his moments of disagreements with the then President Jomo Kenyatta, father to current President Uhuru Kenyatta. He is well remembered by the famous phrase "Not Yet Uhuru", which also formed the title of his autobiography.
Raila has also found himself in situations of disagreements with presidents Moi, Kibaki and even Uhuru.
Although the memorial service on Sunday was a relatively low key event, a major ceremony has been scheduled to be held in Kisumu next month to celebrate and remember Jaramogi and Fidel Odinga, Raila’s late son.
