The immortals: The Onekos are eminent personalities

Acheing Oneko (Center), Dr Achieng Ongo'ong'a (top),Lwande Oneko( bottom right) and Claire Oneko Photo: Courtesy

That management consultant Dick Oneko, son of freedom struggle icon, Achieng Oneko, supports President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party sent tongues wagging. Most thought he should have been ‘Corded’ - not knowing the long history of the Kenyattas and the Onekos.

As we mark this year’s Mashujaa Day, let us remember the only Luo jailed at Lokitaung Prison for ‘managing the Mau Mau,’ for which he pleaded not guilty, telling Judge Ransley Thacker that, “I want my lawyer!” The court did not find Oneko guilty, and he didn’t finish the seven years, hard labour sentence, as lack of sufficient evidence got him spirited to Manda Island Prison instead.