Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her husband, Murega Baicu, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Odinga family homestead at Opoda Farm and later to Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, where they conveyed condolences and paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Kenya’s most prominent opposition political lineage.
Mwangaza, accompanied by Meru senatorial aspirant Mugambi Imanyara, Nkirote Biriri and other dignitaries, met Ida Odinga and members of the extended Odinga family in what was described as a call of solidarity. The visit comes at a moment of fluid national political dynamics, as figures across the political spectrum continue to recalibrate alliances and affirm historical ties.
- #EveningBrief: Sifuna, NYOTAInGarissa, HIVtotallydeleted and Blue Cross Kenya in top 10 trends
- How Kenya and Tanzania are strengthening cross-border efforts to curb FGM among the Kuria
- Nakuru revives long-stalled trauma centre to boost emergency care in Rift Valley
- Explainer: How ODM plans to exit Azimio and what it means for 2027 politics
- Kenya launches Judge Phoebe Okowa’s ICJ candidature at AU meeting in Ethiopia
Following the visit, Mwangaza noted that the Odinga family has played a foundational role in the evolution of Kenya’s political democracy, beginning with the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the nation’s first Vice President. She referenced the family’s longstanding involvement in political reform, opposition politics and national discourse, describing their legacy as emblematic of resilience and belief in pluralistic governance.
The delegation proceeded to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, where they toured archival exhibits chronicling the Odinga family’s role in Kenya’s post-independence political trajectory. The mausoleum, considered a symbolic archive of Kenya’s democratic struggles, has become a frequent point of study for political historians and civic scholars.
In a gesture steeped in cultural symbolism, Mwangaza and her husband presented an effigy buffalo, invoking the jowi chant — a Luo expression traditionally used to honour leadership, courage and communal solidarity. The offering was described by aides as a mark of respect to the Odinga household and an acknowledgment of shared values around leadership and perseverance.
Though the visit was intentionally low-key, it drew measured attention for its undertones of strategic political signalling. Analysts noted that while framed as personal condolence and cultural homage, the visit reinforces the Odinga family’s sustained influence in national political conversation.
.
