Royal Media Services Chairman Dr S.K. Macharia visits Raila Odinga’s family in Bondo, Siaya County. Accompanied by Governors James Orengo and Gladys Wanga, he paid respects at Raila’s gravesite.
Royal Media Services (RMS) Chairman Dr S.K. Macharia on Thursday made a touching visit to the family of the late Raila Odinga at their home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Siaya County. Raila was laid to rest there on Sunday in an emotional ceremony that drew national attention.
Dr Macharia, who was accompanied by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, first visited Raila’s gravesite before heading to the family residence at Opoda Farm, where he met Ida Odinga, the widow of the former Prime Minister.
During the visit, Dr Macharia spoke warmly about his decades-long friendship with the Odinga family.
“I came to comfort Ida on the loss of her husband, who was like my younger brother. We go back to the days of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,” he said.
“Jaramogi once told me to take care of Raila and Oburu because I was older than them, and we have remained close ever since.”
The veteran media boss described Raila as a man of great courage and vision, noting that his contribution to Kenya’s democracy would be remembered for generations.
“Take heart, Mama Ida. The true impact of what Raila gave to this country will only be understood in years to come. He gave so much of himself,” he added.
Ida Odinga thanked Dr Macharia for his visit and his continued friendship with the family.
“He has been with us through many journeys, and I truly appreciate him. Our relationship goes back many years, and he has always stood with us,” she said.
She recalled how Macharia reached out to her during difficult times in the early 1990s, describing him as a loyal and compassionate friend of the family.
Dr Macharia, who has publicly praised Raila as one of Kenya’s greatest reformers, had earlier described him as “a statesman whose courage and sacrifices helped shape the country’s democratic path.”
Following Raila’s death, Macharia said his family had lost “a dear friend and confidant,” while Kenya had lost “a true patriot.”
He also reflected on Raila’s lifelong struggle for democracy from imprisonment to exile and his role in advancing multi-party politics and constitutional reforms.
Since Raila’s burial, many leaders have continued to visit the Odinga family to convey their condolences. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta made a private visit to the Bondo home on Monday, while several governors, MPs, and diplomats have also stopped by to offer support.
The visits highlight Raila Odinga’s enduring influence as a unifying figure in Kenyan politics, one whose legacy continues to inspire respect and remembrance across the nation.
