ODM leader Raila Odinga remembers his father Jaramogi in emotional tribute

ODM leader Raila Odinga. [File, Standard]

ODM leader Raila Odinga has penned an emotional tribute in remembrance of his father as their family commemorates 26th anniversary since the death of Kenya’s first vice president Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Odinga remembered his father as a selfless patriot who put the interest of the country first. On his Twitter page, he wrote: “26 years ago you took a journey from our beloved country never to return. Your patriotic and selfless actions remain engraved in the hearts of those who knew you and in the collective memory of the nation you helped build. Your memory remains a permanent presence in your absence., and public policy analyst.”

His party ODM also penned a short tribute hailing the efforts of the late politician in fighting for first and second liberation, and for the establishment of democracy in the country.

“Today, 26 years ago, the doyen of opposition politics in Kenya, a legend, the Father of democracy and a luminary in the struggle for the second liberation rested. His legacy and aspirations still live on. Continue Resting in Peace Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga,” tweeted ODM party.

Mzee Jaramogi Oginga was the first Vice President in Kenya for a period running from independence in 1963 till three years later.

Oginga resigned as VP in 1966 after disagreeing with the founding President Jomo Kenyatta. He later on shifted to opposition politics forming FORD which he led as the chairman. His political overtures earned the tag the ‘doyen of opposition politics.’