On the morning of 4th January 2015, as Kenyans were still celebrating the new year, Raila Odinga watched helplessly as his first born son Fidel Odinga passed away in his arms. It was the most painful blow he has had to deal with in life.
At 41, Fidel had established businesses and cut a niche for himself among his peers. He was a beacon of hope for the youth who admired the community projects he pioneered.
According to friends, Fidel was soft-spoken, kind hearted and outgoing, never seeing faults in his friends or family members.
Fidel attended Consolata Primary in Westlands before proceeding to Mbeji Academy in Siaya County for his High School education from 1989 to 1992, a school which belonged to the late Thomas Ogembo, founder of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology.
He then proceeded to India for his post-secondary education, where he stayed for one year before transferring to Washington DC in the US.
He completed his studies and continued living and working there. He returned home just before the 2002 elections, after which Narc formed the Government.
He was married to an Eritrean beauty Lwam Gatchew Bekele, who has stayed clear of the limelight since their union on July 28, 2012.
He divorced his first wife Veronica Wanjiru over what were viewed as ‘irreconcilable’ differences. Fidel tied the knot for the second time with his Eritrean lover in a low-key ceremony, which took place at the Orthodox Church in Nairobi.
Unlike his much-publicised 2007 wedding ceremony, which was full of pomp and colour, his second one was a closely guarded and invites-only ceremony. Fidel, who kept his family away from the public eye, leaves behind a one-year-old son.
Fidel touched the lives of many who crossed his path, not only by the virtue of being a politician’s son, but on his own accord.
The former Prime Minister’s son has stayed close to his father, playing a critical role in his campaigns as well as learning the political ropes. Contrary to expectation, he has stayed clear of confrontation pitting his father against family and various leaders.
By virtue of being the son of a former PM, he has won admiration. He was an easygoing person, who never found fault with his friends.