Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria recalled happy moments with political nemesis Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
CS Kuria was speaking during launch of an industrial park in Siaya County on Thursday.
“Baba prepared for us the best chicken I have ever tasted in this side of the world,” he praised Odinga.
The rare occasion happened on January 20, 1994 during Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s one year anniversary after his demise.
CS Kuria’s relation with Raila family
CS Kuria was in the company of Siaya Governor James Orengo, Senator Oburu Odinga among other opposition leaders.
Apparently, the minister’s close relations with the Odinga family dates back to the 90s when late President Daniel Moi was in power.
CS Kuria revealed that Jaramogi saved him from expulsion at the University of Nairobi after staging protests.
“On 20th January 1994, a whole 29 years ago, we were here to bury Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. The man who instructed Otieno Kajwang to represent me in court and get an injunction that stopped me from being expelled from the University of Nairobi,” he narrated.
At the time, the minister was among a group of students who led protests over disputed student elections.
Fortunate for him, Jaramogi directed the late Homabay Senator Otieno Kajwang to represent the CS before High Court Judge Gideon Mwera.
Jaramogi’s Anniversary goes south
President Moi banned live music during Jaramogi’s anniversary, angering locals who revered him.
“When the music started at 6:30pm, Okatch Biggy started playing, teargas was thrown. I remember Oburu and I were helping each other to escape from a DC called Kiritu Wamai, we were whisked to safety,” Kuria narrated.
After a narrow escape, they retreated to Jaramogi’s Opoda farm in Siaya where they were received by his son Raila Odinga.
“Baba prepared for us the best chicken I have ever tasted in this side of the world,” he added.
The Minister called for unity across the political divide so as to benefit Kenyans.
“There are no elections this year and next year. Can’t we keep ourselves busy by focusing on development then when the next election comes we decide now tea time is over and go back to other things?” the former MP posed.
