Family: Fidel Odinga will live in our hearts even though he is physically gone

Rosemary Odinga and Lwam Odinga, Fidel’s widow during service at All saints cathedral Thursday. [PHOTO TABITHA OTWORI]

NAIROBI: It was an emotional funeral service as the late Fidel Castro Odinga's family eulogised him.

His wife Lwam Getachew, father Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga (mother), Raila Odinga Junior (brother), Winnie Odinga (sister) and Oburu Oginga (uncle) celebrated his life, acknowledging that he was a Godsend and one of a kind.

Even though Winnie reminded mourners that it was a time to celebrate Fidel's life, his family and friends could not hold back their tears.

They grieved his departure as they agreed that his friendship transcended political, ethnic and regional boundaries.

So moving was the farewell message dedicated to Fidel by his wife Lwam that she could not hold back tears as she read her letter.

She immediately broke down and someone else had to read the letter on her behalf.

"My love, where do I even begin? A few years ago, I met this six foot charming man, truly God given and a gift to me," read her letter.

She continued, "You made me laugh and melted my heart. I will dedicate my life to your people and country. With optimism, I promise to take care of our son Allay Raila Odinga and teach him Luo kitgi gi timbe gi (the Luo, their ways and traditions). I can not question God's will through my grief. I will cherish the amazing years I shared with you, my love, my husband."

Lwam said the number of people who turned up to condole with her family touched her.

Ida said the passing on of her elder son had dealt the family a blow, as acknowledged by Raila, Raila Junior, Winnie and Oburu.

"January 4, 2015 was my darkest day when Fidel died. He has left us but his memories live on. He has a beautiful wife and child, Allay, who is his duplicate except for his colour, which is like his mother's," said Ida.

"As a mother, I was the happiest woman when I gave birth to Fidel. I held him in my hands and he was the most beautiful child, looking very handsome," she said.

While growing up, Ida said Raila spoilt Fidel but decided to instil discipline in him at a tender age and taught him life's values.

"He was protective, even of me. Although strength goes with age. He was an avid football fan. Fidel loved his father and me and always called me 'mummy', unlike his siblings who call me 'mum'. He had a nice way of calling me," she said, causing laughter among mourners.

Ida said it was unfortunate that Fidel died at the age of 41, the same age as her father when he passed on.

"He has left behind a young family. Lwam is now our daughter. She will make it. It is sad she knew Fidel for a short time but Lwam knows his likes and dislikes and will extend the same to their son Allay," she said.

Winnie stressed that though Fidel is physically gone, his spirit stays with them.

"We should not lament over something taken but something given to us, that is what we should celebrate. The life and times of Fidel, his teachings and mentorship," said Winnie.

Raila Junior said Fidel was a gift to them and his death was painful.

"He was our protector, unifier and guider. He dedicated his life to the family, introducing and linking us to relatives in Sakwa, Gem and other areas," he said.

He continued, "He introduced us to his diverse circle of friends. As a human being, he also had his faults. He enjoyed his escapades, ate life with a big spoon, was a trendsetter and avid sports fan."

An emotional Raila Junior pointed out that Fidel loved life, adding that: "He had a big heart sometimes to a fault. To Lwam, thank you for standing by Fidel and being his light. We will stand by you and support you as well as your son. We will continue Fidel's legacy."

He emphasised that his legacy would live on.