Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Dr Joseph Aluoch, Ida Odinga and Justice Joyce Aluoch in one of their many social interactions.
The former Prime Minister passed away on Wednesday in India, after collapsing during a morning walk. His burial is scheduled for Sunday in his home area of Bondo, Siaya County.
Dr Aluoch recalls a friendship stretching back more than seven decades.
He told The Star: “I met Raila Odinga in 1953 for the first time when he was eight years old and I was 10 years old. His father, Mzee Odinga and my father, Mzee Aluoch, were both classmates and dormitory mates at Maseno School. Over the years, we have kept in touch. Frequent meetings both socially and officially. Sincere condolences to my sister, Ida Odinga and the children and the larger family. The world has spoken. Let his soul rest in Eternal Peace.”
According to medical officials at Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, India, the former Prime Minister died after a cardiac arrest.
The hospital on Thursday said the opposition leader collapsed during a morning walk at around 8:30am Indian time within the premises of the Ayurvedic wellness facility where he had been recuperating. Medical staff on-site administered CPR immediately before rushing him to Devamatha Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52am.
Dr Aluoch, who was overwhelmed by the loss, explained that
his father Aluoch, was also friends with the father of Raila’s widow, Mama Ida.
He also recalled when Raila brought the “entire” government to his village home in Kagilo.
“When Raila was Prime Minister, in 2011 he came to my village, Gem Kagilo, to celebrate my 40 years of marriage to Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch. He was the guest of honour. He was escorted by hundreds of boda boda riders. People said the whole government was there,” he recalls.
Dr Aluoch said his relationship with the Odingas has remained alive through social and official encounters. He noted: “Over the years, we have kept in touch. Frequent meetings both socially and officially.”
