Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s children have vowed to continue working with people across the country, saying that is what their father would have wanted them to do.
The three, Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior and Winnie Kazi Odinga, gave moving tributes to their father, who the country referred to as ‘Baba’.
They spoke at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), the venue of the funeral service. Rosemary, Odinga’s eldest daughter, described their father as one who believed in his children and that is why they have friends from all over the world.
She stated that Mr Odinga listened keenly to them, after which he helped them sharpen their ideas.
“My father helped us think broadly, find solutions. work with other people because as you can see through his life, that is what he did, he worked with others. And because of that, we will continue working together and with others because that is his legacy,” said Ms Rosemary.
Her sentiments came in the wake of Mr Odinga’s controversial decisions to work with various leaders, once rivals and competitors, for the stability of the nation.
She added: “Our father also taught us to love the country and the entire Africa. I want to urge all of you who are here and watching across the world, to look within you and search for what makes you better and stronger, because when you do that we will honor what BABA would like us to be better, stronger, sharper.”
Just like her father used to do in similar events, Winnie invited Ajiki, a Luo elder to perform his symbolic traditional Luo chant always done during burial of prominent Luo personalities.
An emotional Winnie acknowledged the staff of the ex-PM and those of the family business, East Africa Spectre International, thanking them for their service to Mr Odinga.
“The king is dead, but long live the crown. I know you are in pain, but maintain peace. God will make us victorious. People have been talking bad about Bondo, but let us embarrass them and confirm to them that Bondo has brave men, lions,” said Winnie.
Raila Junior paid tribute to their father with the traditional flywhisk.
“You know I am a city boy, you will teach me to speak better Dholuo later but, because of the dignitaries present, allow me to address you in English,” said Raila Junior.
He recited the Gor Mahia Football Club anthem before narrating how the past three days have been difficult for him.
“I am dressed in white because I feel, the past three days, we have mourned Baba and cried, but I have stood strong because that is what he would have loved, but now we are celebrating Baba and his legacy and a life well lived,” said Raila Junior.
He introduced Mr Odinga’s grandchildren Safi Odinga, Alay, Senai, Lion Amollo Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
“In the spirit of Baba, I say thank you because of the life he gave us. You gave all of us your life, stayed with us and showed us how to live a good life. Thank you. We will miss your vitendawilis (riddles), laugh, joy and the dancing styles you used to have,” said Junior.
He excited mourners when he stated that he is sure his father is smiling because he has given Kenyans many holidays and in death, he ensured they have an ‘Easter’ in October.
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