Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Trade and Industrialisation Moses Kuria recalls how Raila Odinga’s father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga saved him from expulsion at University of Nairobi (UON).
CS Kuria was speaking during launch of an industrial park in Siaya County on Thursday.
“As I stand here I remember the journey that myself, my brother James Orengo, Senator Oburu Odinga went through.
“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 began.
Kuria leads protests at UON
In 2018, Kuria revealed that he, among other students staged protests over disputed student elections. This was during late President Daniel Moi’s reign.
Fortunate for him, Jaramogi directed the late Homabay Senator Otieno Kajwang to represent Kuria.
Kuria reportedly maintained close relations with the Odinga family.
Today, the CS disclosed that he attended Jaramogi’s one year anniversary after his demise. Kuria was in the company of Orengo, Oburu, Raila and other opposition leaders.
“That time Moi said there would be no live music. People of this region were saying, ‘No Way’. Immediately one of the artists started playing instruments, teargas was lobbed at them,” he narrated.
CS calls for unity
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.
