In a quiet village in Yimbo, Bondo Constituency, Mzee Olang'o Nyabola, a Luo traditionalist and elder, is struggling to come to terms with the death of his close friend and advisor, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Nyabola described Raila as a good, kind, and simple person, and shared that he had never imagined a life without him. Their friendship spanned decades, beginning in the early 1990s through the Luo Council of Elders leadership.
Nyabola and Raila's bond grew stronger over the years as they shared dreams, secrets, and brotherhood. Raila would often visit Nyabola at his home in Bar Okwiri village, where they would engage in lengthy discussions on various issues. Nyabola recalled that Raila would talk about his vision for an ideal country and ask him to pass these messages to other elders during their meetings.
The late Raila Odinga was known to have visited Nyabola's humble home and a village bar at Kambajo market, where he would interact with fellow elders and retirees. The bar, known as the Pentagon Bar, was inspired by the ODM Pentagon formed in 2007. However, the mini pentagon in Kambajo was composed of elders who believed in and supported Raila's vision for the country, not politicians.
The Pentagon Bar at Kambajo market became a hub for Raila's interactions with grassroots leaders and supporters. Nyabola explained that the many sessions at the Pentagon and his home were spent discussing politics and initiating conversations aimed at changing the lives of people at the grassroots level. These meetings also took place at Opoda Farm and Kang'o Ka'Jaramogi.
During their meetings, Raila emphasized the importance of business and a business approach to farming in rural areas. He encouraged the community to initiate small businesses and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. Nyabola, a retired school teacher, operates various small businesses in Bondo and Kambajo market, and likely benefited from Raila's advice.
Despite the pain of losing a loved one, Nyabola has chosen to believe that Raila will someday return. As a Luo and a Christian, he holds onto the hope of a miracle, consoling himself with the faith that one day, news will come that Raila has risen from the dead. This coping mechanism helps him deal with the grief of losing a friend and national figure.
Nyabola's story is a testament to the impact Raila Odinga had on the lives of those around him. As Kenya marks the anniversary of Raila's passing, Nyabola's experience serves as a reminder of the former Prime Minister's legacy and the relationships he built throughout his life.
Key points
- Mzee Olang'o Nyabola, a close friend and advisor to Raila Odinga, is still grieving his death.
- Nyabola holds onto the hope of a miracle that Raila will return.
- Raila's legacy continues to impact the lives of those who knew him.
