Fidel Odinga's death a big loss for Kenya’s social world

Fidel Odinga with his close friend and singer CMB Prezzo. (Photo:File/Standard)

On June 22 last year, I received a phone call from an unusual friend. It was Fidel Odinga. Even though I had become close to him through the social and entertainment world, it was an unusual thing for Fidel to call the media or even grant opportunities for interviews. Humble and jovial as he was, he cared less what social and political class you belonged to. He was simply a friend.

“I want to fly you guys to Kisumu for the Dala 7s this weekend, you and your team. Be my guests,” he said, in his usual articulate tone. I knew Dala 7s was close to Fidel’s heart just as was many youthful social events. It was just months after he had been elected chairman of the Kisumu Rugby Union and he really wanted the Dala 7s rugby event to go big.