'Strict family man, lover of education': Raila leads in commemorating Jaramogi Oginga's 30th anniversary

Several leaders, scholars and professionals on Saturday gathered at Kisumu's Ofafa Social Hall for the 30th memorial of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

ODM party leader Raila Odinga led his family in the day long memorial that was attended by among others Governors, MPs and former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. 

Jaramogi's memorial started at the St. Stephens ACK Church in Kisumu where family friends and relatives gathered for morning prayers in a church said to have had its foundation stone laid by the late Jaramogi Oginga.

After the church service, a procession followed to Ofafa Hall in Kisumu where all were gathered.

Family members remembered the late Jaramogi as a family man who laid a strong family foundation despite harsh political times during his political life.

“If you want to see Jaramogi alive, look at me standing hee,” Ruth Odinga added.

Raila Odinga remembering his father as a strict man who wanted the best for his children.

“He was very concerned about us every day...he was very strict to us as his children,” Odinga said.

Odinga told those who gathered in Kisumu that his late father loved education and championed for the same in his backyard.

The relationship between Jaramogi and the country's first President Jomo Kenyatta was part of the memorial with those gathered taken down the memory lane.

Leaders who attended the memorial also remembered the late political icon as a man who shaped the country's politics to date.