Last night I had the privilege to meet The former Prime minister H.E The Rt. Raila Odinga. He’s on his second leg of a trip taking him to Morocco, The UK, Mexico and finally Israel and stopped by, in Oxford and London to launch Dr. Godfrey Sang’s book on Shujaa Jean-Marie Seroney, a Selfless Kenyan Parliamentarian who served our country with distinction and paid with the ultimate price.
The late Seroney was a contemporary of Tom Mboya, JM Kariuk, George Morara, George Anyona, among others. He was born in Tinderet, Nandi, educated in Alliance and Makerere, and later India and England. He served in government for 14 years and was jailed together with George Anyona for supporting a statement made another MP on the floor of the house in 1975. The death of dictator Kenyatta gave him his freedom however all his property and money was confiscated by dictator Daniel Moi. Seroney died in 1982, having led a simple life of service and ‘spotless’ duty.
I was particularly glad that the biography has some details on the operations of the least known MP George Morara from West Bogirango and how they first launched the ‘opposition benches’ in parliament in 1969!
The former PM, with his daughter Winnie and Tinderet MP Hon. J Kibiwott among his entourage, spent time meeting Kenyans in London together with Dr Sang who once again shared a warming presentation of The Life of Shujaa Seroney.
Afterward a forum on Accountability for governance and development for Africa. Hon. Kibiwott is a member of the Kenya Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee gave us an update on the sorry state of affairs in our country.
Diehard supporters for the movement for the Restoration of democracy and good governance had a ‘privy council meeting’ with His Excellency and we discussed among others massive corruption and embezzlement of state resources, security among other issues on The State of The Nation.
I had a private moment with The Premier and consoled him personally following the sudden death of his son, comrade Fidel Odinga since we haven’t met for some time.
The Enigma looked stronger, healthier and in excellent spirit. Other than for the Autumn cold in the northern hemisphere, he’s in top form. He told me about his father’s work and collaboration with The Late George Morara and how the assassination of Morara deeply upset The senior Odinga. He’d be ready to give a preface to the Biography of George Morara if I piece it together, he offered!
Funny enough, I announced the passing of Shujaa Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as Debating club Secretary General in High school in 1994! Little did I know I was returning a deserving favour!
I cannot list all the sacrifices Of Shujaa Odinga- he’s a man who has self actualised and he’s doing what he has to do for the good of the country. For nearly 3 years he’s continued to work without pay, and while all benefits and most privileges, even his rightful pension withheld.
It was nice to see the new Tanzanian president Mafuguli welcome him with full state honours. Indeed a prophet is not accepted in his own country.
With only one bullet left, KENYA must be rescued. And am grateful that we have an inclusive leader, with foresight, ready to crack the whip and restore economic security, country, pride and our place as one of the most Beautiful destinations on the planet!
Leave a Reply