Media magnate SK Macharia has paid a heartfelt visit to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to honor the late Raila Odinga and celebrate the enduring friendship between their families—a relationship that spans generations and traces back to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Honoring a Generational Promise
During the emotional visit, SK Macharia recounted the origins of the Odinga–Macharia bond, revealing how Jaramogi personally entrusted him with the care of his sons, Raila and Oburu Odinga. The media mogul spoke warmly of this moment, describing it as a promise that shaped a lifetime of mutual respect and unwavering loyalty.
“The last day Jaramogi left Nairobi for Bondo, Ida was present. I walked him through the stairs of Agip House. As I put him in the car, he said he would come back the following week for us to see former President Daniel Arap Moi. He told me he had two sons, Oburu and Raila, and since I am older than them, I should take care of them,” SK recalled.
A Brotherly Connection Beyond Politics
SK Macharia emphasized that his relationship with the Odinga family has always been deeply personal rather than political. He described Raila as a younger brother and a man whose contribution to Kenya’s history will be celebrated for generations to come.
“Whenever you’ve been hearing rumours about a Kikuyu named SK supporting Raila through the different presidencies, it is because they are my brothers,” he said. “Raila was a great man, and history will judge him kindly.”
Ida Odinga’s Heartfelt Gratitude
Ida Odinga, widow of the late Raila Odinga, expressed profound gratitude for SK’s loyalty and kindness over the decades. She reflected on the personal support she received from him during some of her most challenging professional moments.
“The story of the Odingas and SK began in the early 1990s – he has been a friend of this family. In 1992, when I was sacked for the second time, SK was the one who reached out to me first,” she shared. Ida recounted how she began working at Jaramogi’s office at Agip House, and although SK initially thought she was a secretary, his generosity and support never wavered.
“Since then, he has been with us through many journeys. SK, I want to thank you very much for always being there for the Odinga family. May God bless you abundantly,” she said.
A Legacy of Loyalty and Friendship
The meeting between SK Macharia and Ida Odinga went beyond remembrance—it was a powerful testament to loyalty, respect, and enduring friendship. For SK, supporting the Odingas was not just a matter of political alignment but of honor, family, and the fulfillment of a promise made to a friend decades ago.
The visit also highlighted the role of personal bonds in shaping Kenya’s history, showing how relationships built on trust and shared values can transcend time, politics, and circumstance. In celebrating this bond, SK Macharia and Ida Odinga reminded the nation that legacies are not built solely on public achievements but also on acts of compassion, loyalty, and humanity that endure across generations.
