Little attention has been given to Jaramogi’s accomplishments – RAILA
The leader of the opposition, Raila Odinga, expressed that his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, performed significant contributions that have not received sufficient recognition.
According to Raila, Jaramogi dedicated himself to improving the well-being of numerous Kenyans, yet his achievements have been overlooked.
Raila highlighted his father’s emphasis on education during his time as a teacher.
“There is another aspect of Jaramogi which has not been appreciated, Jaramogi the teacher,” Raila recalled on Friday when the family held an event to mark the 30th anniversary since the death of the country’s first Vice President.
Raila stated that his father’s objective was to ensure that a large number of people received education, and Jaramogi took extra measures to financially support the education of numerous Kenyans.
“At the time he died, there was 54 children in different stages of education whom he was sponsoring,” he told a gathering in Kisumu.
In order to perpetuate his father’s legacy, the family decided to organize fundraising efforts through a foundation established in honor of Jaramogi. The aim is to provide support for the education of children in line with Jaramogi’s commitment to this cause.
“Through the Foundation we raised funds and ensured the sponsored students remained in school. Those days there was no CDF to offer bursary,” he said.
Raila additionally mentioned that his father took the initiative to airlift students to China, Russia, and India for various academic pursuits.
He characterized his father as a multifaceted individual who, despite his versatility, often chose to adopt a simple attire, typically opting for shorts. Raila also described his father as a stern disciplinarian.
“He treated us like ordinary peasant children, taking us to public schools in the rural village,” he said.
Numerous leaders and scholars who participated in the anniversary celebrations portrayed Jaramogi as a leader with a compassionate and generous nature.
