The relationship between the Kenyatta and Odinga families is one that has shaped the political landscape in pre and post-independent Kenya. For the most part, it is a relationship that has been marked by hostility, betrayal, and ideological differences.
However, many will be surprised to learn that the two families have also enjoyed their own fair share of good times. In a past interview with a local daily, Kisumu deputy governor Ruth Odinga revealed that Mzee Jomo Kenyatta’s children and those of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga were very close and would often visit each other while growing up.
Ruth, who is a younger sister to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga narrated how the two families would visit each other’s rural homes in Gatundu and in Kisumu respectively. Ruth also recalled how she and current President Uhuru Kenyatta would enjoy being carried on Raila’s back. Raila was at the time in his late teens and about 15 years senior to Ruth and Uhuru. "When we were young, Raila would carry us (Uhuru and I) on his back and we grew up together as family friends," Ruth narrated. In the early 1960s,
Jaramogi was a political ally and Vice President in Jomo Kenyatta’s administration. However, the two would fall out in 1966 after Jaramogi resigned from his position which had been watered down in a mischevious power play.
During a KANU Delegates Conference held in Limuru in 1966, Tom Mboya used his political connections in Kenyatta's camp to strip Odinga of his powers. Odinga’s post of Vice President of KANU was split up and shared out among eight other leaders in KANU, prompting him to resign from the then ruling party. Since then, the Kenyattas and the Odingas have continued with their political rivalry and rarely agree on political matters.
During the 38th-anniversary memorial service of the late founding President Jomo Kenyatta, Raila revealed that he and Uhuru maintain a close private relationship in spite of their obvious political differences. "I am delighted my brother has ambushed me to speak.
I have come here as a close family friend and Kenyan. Uhuru is my younger brother. Mama Ngina knows how far we have come,” Raila stated. Raila further revealed, “when there is political upheavals in the country, I call Uhuru or he calls me so that together we seek for solutions. Never again should we shed blood because of politics.”
Credit:kenyans.co.ke
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