Reuniting people seems to be what former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was born to do, according to the symbolism of his birth in his book, Flame of Freedom.
Before he was brought into the world, Odinga's parents had gone through a bitter separation.
Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga, Raila's father, wrote in his own biography: Not Yet Uhuru, that he had mistreated his wife Mary Juma.
In his own admission, Oginga had knocked down Mary after a serious quarrel, to the shock of both of them.
Having had enough of the strained marriage, she took Raila's elder brother Oburu Odinga and went back to live with her parents in Alego, Siaya County.
Jaramogi followed her and tried to plead for her return but Mary would have none of it.
The two lovers were however reconciled when Raila was almost due for birth and teamed up once again to raise him.
Oginga and Mary made up but growing up Raila didn't notice any signs of the bitter separation.
In his book, Odinga recounts "I only remember a peaceful home."
His parents had met at a sports meeting in Migwena where she shone as an athlete.
Though they did not have a conversation on that day, Oginga was immediately attracted to her and even started asking for details about her.
He found out she was the daughter of former Chief Justo Odima whose football skills he had admired.
