Editor's Review

The former First Lady attended the function without retired president Uhuru Kenyatta.

Former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta is among the ranking dignitaries attending a mega function organised by former prime minister Raila Odinga's family.

The family is making the 30th anniversary of its patriarch Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Mama Margaret Kenyatta sharing a moment with Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir.

The Memorial Mass on Saturday, January 20, was held at St. Stephen's Milimani ACK Church, Kisumu city.

Margaret with her entourage were received outside the church in the Saturday mid-morning.

A radiant-looking Raila with his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, led the family in the event.

Former prime minister Raila Odinga with his wife Mama Ida Odinga.

Others in attendance were governors Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and James Orengo (Siaya).

A section of Azimio leaders during the memorial service of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

Other Azimio honchos present were former Kakamega governor Wycliffe Oparanya, former Busia senator Amos Wako, Kitui senator Enock Wambua, and Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi, among other Azimio leaders.

The former first lady was not in tow of the former president Uhuru Kenyatta who flew to the Democratic Republic of Congo for the inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi who was re-elected into office recently.

Also gracing the event besides politicians are scholars, pan-Africanists and thought leaders.

After the service in the church, the attendees will convene at the Ofafa Memorial Hall in Kisumu for the rest of the event.

β€œThe event will be addressed physically and virtually by a stellar team from home and abroad, befitting the stature of Jaramogi the freedom fighter, the family man, the founding vice president, the businessman, the teacher, the farmer, the politician and the great statesman,” reads a communique from Raila earlier sent to the press.

Born in 1911, Jaramogi features in Kenya's history of liberation and struggle for Kenya's independence.

He served as Kenya's first vice-president, and thereafter as opposition leader. 

He died on January 20, 1994.