Ida Odinga wants leaders to shun politics at her mother's burial

Migori Governor Okoth Obado (left) consoles former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife Ida at Stella Village in Uriri Constituency, following the death of her mother Rosa Oyoo. [PHOTO: TITUS MUNALA]

MIGORI COINTY: The former Prime Minister's wife, Ida Odinga, has asked political leaders to shun politics at the burial of her mother, Rosa Oyoo.

Speaking to Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado, who had cone to console the family, Ida urged leaders from across the political divide to embrace peace and tolerance during the funeral.

"We will not allow anyone to discriminate against anyone else or cause chaos here. If they must be heard, let them organise a political rally elsewhere. We want peace as we lay our mother to rest," she said.

Ida was referring to an incident in which Siaya Senator James Orengo and Mr Obado clashed during the burial of the wife of a politician from Migori County.

Obado also appealed for calm and promised to support the bereaved family.

"The county government has already given a tractor that will be used to grade the burial site," he said.

The governor further urged Migori residents to be tolerant of leaders irrespective of their political affiliations.

The call comes amid political jitters between him and some ODM party leaders who have said the governor is disloyal to party leader Raila Odinga.