In the lush landscapes of Bondo, Kenya, under the African sun, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was born on October 1, 1911, destined to be a colossus in the annals of his nation’s history. A son of the Luo tribe, he rose from the ranks of chieftainship to etch his name in the bedrock of Kenya’s struggle for independence. His life, a blend of political activism, opposition leadership, and an unyielding commitment to social justice, left indelible marks on the political and social fabric of Kenya.
Odinga’s intellect, honed at Makerere University and Alliance High School, emerged as a beacon that guided his vision for an independent Kenya. He was not just a politician; he was a visionary, a voice in the wilderness crying out for freedom and justice. His advocacy placed him at the vanguard of Kenya’s fierce battle against the yoke of British colonialism, his name synonymous with the fight for liberation.
A Visionary’s Journey: Triumphs and Trials in Kenya’s Fight for Freedom
His political journey, however, was a path strewn with thorns. Odinga’s ideological divergence with Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first President, was not just a mere disagreement but a schism that would reshape Kenya’s political landscape. In 1966, in a move that sent shockwaves through the nation, he resigned as Vice-President and bid farewell to the Kenya African National Union (KANU) to establish the Kenya People’s Union (KPU). This act fanned the embers of ethnic tensions, particularly between the Luo and Kikuyu communities, altering the course of Kenya’s political narrative.
Even as the dark clouds of political strife loomed, Odinga’s spirit remained unbroken. His arrest and subsequent detention following a conflict in Kisumu in 1969 were but chapters in his long saga of resilience. Released in March 1971, he continued to be a thorn in the side of the establishment, challenging President Daniel Arap Moi’s regime and championing the cause of democracy. His aspirations for a socialist opposition were quashed by constitutional amendments in 1982, yet his unceasing fight played a pivotal role in Kenya’s eventual embrace of a multiparty political system in 1991.
“Not Yet Uhuru,” Odinga’s autobiography published in 1967, is more than a book; it’s a manifesto of his vision and a reflection of his dissatisfaction with the Kenya that emerged post-independence. The title itself, translating to “Not Yet Freedom,” became a rallying cry, echoing his belief that the journey to true freedom was far from over, marred by political oppression and economic disparities.
A Legacy Beyond Politics: Family, Autobiography, and Enduring Influence
Beyond the political arena, Odinga’s personal life was a tapestry rich with cultural significance. His family, comprising four wives and seventeen children, included figures like Raila Odinga, a former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Oburu Odinga, a former Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Finance. His influence thus extended beyond the political sphere, shaping the lives and destinies of his progeny.
When Odinga passed away on January 20, 1994, in Nairobi, it was not just the death of a man but the end of an era. Controversies shrouded his passing, most notably the denial of a state funeral, a testament to his lifelong stance against the political establishment. He was laid to rest in the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum at his Bondo residence, Kang’o ka Jaramogi, in a ceremony that mirrored the complexities of his life – a blend of respect, admiration, and political contention.
The 30th anniversary of Odinga’s death, commemorated on January 20, 2024, was a convergence of history and remembrance. Dignitaries, family members, including the enigma of Kenyan politics, Raila Odinga, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, gathered to honor a man whose legacy transcended his time. It was a testament to the enduring impact of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga on the tapestry of Kenyan history and politics, a legacy that continues to resonate across the plains of Kenya and beyond.
Okoth Osewe
