Ruth Odinga: Agikuyu elders’ visit to honour Raila pleased Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 22, 2025Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has stated that the visit by elders from the Gikuyu community to honour the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has appeased the spirits of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and former President Jomo Kenyatta.
In a statement shared on her social media on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Ruth Odinga, who is also the sister of the late former Prime Minister, noted that despite the perceived conflict between the two communities, Jaramogi and Kenyatta were great friends and allies.
She said that the visit by the elders to Bondo to pay their respects at Raila’s grave would have made the two late leaders smile in their graves.
Ruth further reflected on the long and complex history between the Luo and Kikuyu communities, noting that during her upbringing, there was no hatred between the two groups.
She went ahead to describe former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has also made an effort to visit Raila’s grave post-death and vowed to do more similar visits in the future as a true brother and an example of unity between the two communities.
“The Jaramogi family aside, the Luo and Kikuyu nations have a long and winding history. And this visit must have made my late father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and his friend, Jomo Kenyatta, smile in their graves. We welcome you. We are you.” She said.
The Kisumu Woman Representative also urged Kenyans to rise above ethnic and political divisions, emphasising the need to build a more united nation that belongs to all, regardless of ethnic identity.
Gikuyu elders visiting Bondo
These come after a delegation of Kikuyu elders led by Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, visited the grave of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at his Opoda Farm home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Speaking during the emotional visit, MP Kariuki said the trip was a gesture of solidarity, respect, and national unity following the passing of a man he described as “a towering figure who shaped Kenya’s democracy”.
The elders made a visit amid Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who made remarks that appeared as if he was celebrating the death of the former prime minister, Raila Odinga.