By Anderson Ojwang
The late Raila Odinga rewrote the story of the Luo community from a marginalised one to the current development projects boom before his demise.
That is why, today, in Kango Ka Jaramogi, when Ker Odungi Riaga will lead the community during Tero Buru (exorcising of spirits of death), the Luo community will equally exorcise the spirit of hard politics and kingship.
Political opportunists have emerged with the demise of Raila, positioning themselves as possible community political kingpins with no single development track to their names.
But unknown to them, in Raila’s last wish at the burial of Mama Phoebe Asiyo in Karachuonyo, the late former Prime Minister urged the community to avoid political excitement but instead concentrate on development.
“Let us avoid politics for now, as it is time for development for our people. We must stop politics and wait for its time,” he said then.
Raila rewrote the story of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, whose brand of politics left the Luo community marginalised while several projects collapsed. The Nyanza economy was in constant resuscitation at the intensive care unit.
Kisumu Textile Mills (KICOMI), the cotton industry and the sugar factories — Muhoroni, Miwani, Chemelil and Sony — either collapsed or were limping to the grave.
Raila, on several occasions before his death, tried to convince former Rarieda MP Raphael Tuju to take over the leadership of the ODM party and spearhead the development of Nyanza.
Raila was concerned about the future of the community’s development and his party, ODM.
When Tuju finally agreed and was expected to assume the senior post in ODM, cartels ganged up and scuttled the move. This left Raila frustrated and a bitter man.
But Raila had decided to make radical changes in the party during its 20th anniversary, which could have ushered in new faces.
Raila had grown to trust Tuju for his honesty and truthfulness and was sceptical about some leaders who were using him for their selfish gain.
Tuju is respected for his development projects when he was the Rarieda MP, and he is also an accomplished businessman — one of the community’s lights.
As the community moves to a new dispensation, a council of leaders to spearhead economic empowerment headed by Tuju should be put in place instead of a battle for a clueless kingpin.
The Economic Empowerment Council should have eminent sons and daughters of the community and consist of businessmen Sammy Wakiaga, Eliud Owalo and Seme MP Dr James Nyikal, among others.
Raphael Tuju
Tuju is a bulldozer, a mover but non-controversial, with innocent looks that are often misconstrued as a weakness — but in actual sense, that is where his strength lies.
He is a man with nine lives, a story within a story. He is invincible in the political limelight where politicians love to be recognised and to identify with the public, but his amiable presence tells of his importance to the masters.
He talks less and only when it is important and necessary, but he has remained the propeller of events — the mover and pusher, the master schemer par excellence, a fighter with no fear, a champion least recognised but adored and appreciated by those within his ranks. The tall and ever-smiling man with a deep voice that once vibrated in most Kenyan homes.
In 2002, Tuju was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Rarieda Constituency. He served until 2007 and managed to promote the education sector in the region by building new classrooms.
He also implemented major water projects for the Rarieda people and introduced an innovative mobile hospital to reduce infant mortality resulting from malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Tuju witnessed the construction of tarmac roads and the distribution of electricity to several institutions and homes in the area, leaving an indelible mark.
He is particularly remembered for his bravery when he sensibly warned European governments during the 29th Asillah Cultural Festival held in Morocco in 2007 against establishing policies that deprive African development through trade partnerships.
Tuju was awarded the second-highest civilian title in Kenya, E.G.H. (Elder of the Golden Heart), by President Mwai Kibaki for his many years of service to the people of Kenya in the areas of health, human development and public service.
Mr Samuel Owino Wakiaga
Wakiaga is a respected businessman with a wealth of knowledge on empowerment programmes. He is non-controversial and respected across the board.
Wakiaga transformed the lake transport and hotel industry in Mbita Island. He is recognised for supporting the education of orphans and other development projects in Nyanza.
Mr Eliud Owalo
He is the patron of Gor Mahia Football Team, which he has supported single-handedly from his pocket. He organised the Nyanza International Investment and Trade Conference.
Owalo is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency in the Executive Office of the President.
Owalo’s vast knowledge in project management would come in handy in developing the community’s new strategic plan.
Dr James Nyikal
He is the Seme MP and chairman of Luo MPs. Nyikal is rated as one of the top performers and would add impetus to the team.
For Nyanza to grow, the politics of kingship should be buried at Kango.
