Royal Media Services (RMS) Chairman Dr. S.K. Macharia on Thursday paid a heartfelt visit to the family of the late former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga, at their home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County, where the opposition leader was laid to rest on Sunday.
Accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Dr. Macharia visited Odinga’s gravesite before proceeding to the family’s Opoda farm home in Bondo, where he met Ida Odinga, the widow of the late statesman.
“I came to pat Ida’s back on the loss of her husband, who is also my dear younger brother. We go back with Ida and Raila during Jaramogi’s time,” Dr. Macharia said, referring to Kenya’s first Vice President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila’s father.
“He told me to take care of his two sons, Raila and Oburu, as I am older than them, and we have been close ever since because they are my brothers,” he added.
Abuga Makori EGH, MBE
Abuga Makori EGH, MBE
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SK Macharia was a true friend of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. He landed at Kang’o ka Jaramogi to mourn with the family. Received by Governor Wanga.
10:25 am · 23 Oct 2025
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Dr. Macharia described Odinga as “a great man, just like his father,” and assured the family of his continued support and friendship.
“Take heart, Mama Ida, we are with you. The true scope of what Raila gave to this country will be known in the years to come. He gave a lot,” he said.
On her part, Ida Odinga expressed deep gratitude for the visit and Macharia’s unwavering support over the decades.
“He has been with us through very many journeys, and I thank him for standing with us. May God bless you abundantly,” she said.
Citizen TV Kenya
Citizen TV Kenya
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S.K Macharia mourns Raila:RMS chairman visits Raila family in Bondo#CitizenBriefs
4:12 pm · 23 Oct 2025
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The veteran media mogul, who has long been one of Odinga’s close allies, has previously described him as a visionary patriot whose courage and self-sacrifice helped shape Kenya’s democratic landscape.
“My family and I have lost a family member, a great friend, and a confidant. Kenya has lost an incredible statesman and a patriot,” Dr. Macharia said last week following the announcement of Odinga’s death in India.
He also recalled Odinga’s decades-long struggle for democracy, during which he endured imprisonment, exile, and persecution while championing multi-party politics and constitutional reform.
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Ida Odinga: I want to thank SK on behalf of the Odinga family. Our relationship with him goes back a long way to the early 1990s. SK Macharia has always been a close friend of this family. In March 1992, when I was sacked for the second time, the first person who reached out to
10:59 am · 23 Oct 2025
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Since Odinga’s burial on Sunday, a stream of dignitaries and political leaders have continued visiting the Odinga family to offer condolences. Among them was former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who made a private visit to the Bondo home on Monday, underscoring the late leader’s enduring legacy as a unifying figure in Kenya’s political history.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka accuses President Ruto of hypocrisy in his Raila Odinga tribute. Claims Ruto’s government is pushing bills against Raila’s democratic ideals.
A major political storm erupted on Saturday after Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka openly criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy over his recent tribute to the late Raila Odinga.
Speaking at a funeral in Kisii County, Onyonka questioned Ruto’s sincerity, saying his administration’s policies completely contradict what Raila fought for during his lifetime.
“Ruto asijifanye anapenda Raila, ilhali anapitisha bills ambazo zinaenda kinyume na kila kitu ambacho Raila alipigania, siku moja tu baada ya kifo chake,” he said. (Translation: “Ruto should not pretend to love Raila while passing bills that go against everything Raila fought for, just a day after his death.”)
Onyonka’s remarks followed the passing of several controversial bills by Parliament, which were supported by the Kenya Kwanza government. Critics argue that the new laws undermine devolution and weaken county autonomy, core principles that Raila championed throughout his political career.
The senator accused Ruto’s government of betraying Raila’s legacy of democracy, equality, and people-centred governance, reminding Kenyans that the late ODM leader endured detention and political persecution to protect citizens from oppressive leadership.
“Raila stood for fairness, democracy, and the empowerment of counties. If you claim to love him, show it through your actions, not by passing oppressive laws,” Onyonka said, drawing loud applause from mourners.
The senator’s bold speech quickly went viral, sparking heated reactions across the country. Supporters of Raila hailed Onyonka for “speaking truth to power,” while Ruto’s allies dismissed his remarks as politically motivated and disrespectful during a mourning period.
Online, the debate grew intense with some Kenyans questioning whether Ruto’s tribute was genuine or politically strategic.
Political analysts say the clash highlights Kenya’s deep ideological divide. Raila Odinga was seen as a reformist who fought for justice, decentralisation, and human rights, while Ruto’s administration is often accused of centralising authority and limiting county power.
They argue that Onyonka’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among opposition voices who feel Raila’s ideals are being ignored even as he is praised in death.
The timing of Onyonka’s outburst just days after Raila’s passing has made the debate even more emotional. Many Kenyans now ask whether the government will continue Raila’s reform agenda or let his vision fade.
One thing remains clear: Raila Odinga’s legacy continues to shape Kenya’s political direction, even in his absence. And for leaders like Onyonka, defending that legacy is not just politics; it is a duty to the values that “Baba” stood for.
