Adapted from the Odede family by Dr. Joyce Nyairo whose first version of the article appeared in the Sunday Nation of October 20, 2024.
Odede Rachilo was born in Uyoma Katwenga, Siaya in 1912.
62 years later, on Christmas Eve 1974, he died at The Nairobi Hospital.
Hypertension-related complications had led to a stroke just two months after his October 1974 nomination to Parliament.
Was his life of advocacy, mentoring, and public service given due national recognition?
His KAU-compatriot Jomo Kenyatta gave Rachilo and 41 others drawn from around the country
state honours in 1968: Elder of the Burning Spear – “in recognition of their great contribution to
nation-building and the hard work … in successfully organizing and consolidating the political foundation of the ruling party.”
In the early 1970s, the people of Uyoma burst in song celebrating Rachilo for coming to their rescue
when they killed a policeman and the brute force of the GSU landed in our location, raping, killing
and maiming many.
Rachilo called President Jomo Kenyatta and convinced him to call off the massacre.
Rachilo’s commemoration in that old popular song was a wonderful acknowledgement of his selfless
service to the community.
It also affirmed what Jaramogi once said of Odede Rachilo, “He was the one man in KAU who was prepared to criticize Jomo Kenyatta whenever he went wrong.“
But given the absence of the name Fanuel Walter Odede from street names, commemorative stamps,
and institutions it is still fair for us to echo the question posed by the erudite Historian, Professor
Ogot, “What should we do with nationalists like Odede?”
Today, December 24th 2024, we the descendants of Fanuel Walter Odede Rachilo from the greater Obonyo family of his father and from his three wives – Fedelia, Clara and Sylibia – gather in Uyoma to mark 50 years since the death of our patriarch.
Personal memories of those who knew him fill these pages and will fill the day to close the gaps for those
who never met him but who have had to negotiate their lives bearing his name, his legacy.
It is a legacy that has been shrouded in careless innuendo, a double-edged nickname, and cautious recognition.
But given Odede Rachilo’s achievements, his is a name that should now be raised high whenever we
mention the risks, sacrifices, and devotion of those who created defining moments in our never-ending quest for freedom.
…TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT SERIES…
