- Jairo Lamenya has spent many days lying on a damp road in Majengo, waiting for the burial of his hero, Raila Odinga
- Despite being drenched by the rain that continues to fall and not having a fare to Bondo, Lamenya is still unshaken in paying her respects
- Family and well-wishers bring him food as he mourns, finding solace in the land that Raila once fought for
Vihiga County – On a damp street in Majengo, 52-year-old Jairo Lamenya is sleeping under a torn jacket, his face half covered to protect himself from the evening rain.
Source: UGC
For many days he has been lying on the bare ground, being drenched by the continuous rain, refusing to leave until Raila Odingathe man he calls his hero, was finally admitted to his home at Opoda Farm.
When did Lamenya become a staunch supporter of Raila?
Lamenya, who is from Chavugami village, told TUKO.co.ke that she has been Raila since she was young.
He followed every campaign, attended every rally he could, and credits Raila’s political courage with inspiring his belief in equality.
“When I heard he was gone, I couldn’t sleep,” he started. “So I came out here to be close to the people, to the dust, on the same ground that Dad fought for.”
Although he would give everything to attend the funeral. he has no fare to travel to Bondo. However, his spirit is still not broken.
How does Lamenya eat on the street?
Family members and well-wishers have been bringing him food when they can, while some just stop to talk, some in disbelief, others in silent amazement.
Rainwater flows along the bank as she sleeps, but Lamenya insists that she has no regrets as the rain washes away her tears.
Although he may not get the chance to say a final farewell to his hero, his way of mourning is a great sign of the emotional bond between Raila Odinga and his followers.
“This is my way of mourning the Father,” she says softly, wrapping the most tattered shawl around her shoulders. “He fought for people like us. The least I can do is stay close to the ground until we get him.”
Lamenya has no flags, cameras, or loudspeakers, only faith and trust, and when the mystery is buried, the dream will remain alive for that person.
Their relationship was not only built on politics, but faith, memory and gratitude, and Lamenya does not regret the difficult times she endures to honor her story.
Source: UGC
What you need to know about Raila Odinga’s funeral
- Raila Odinga, who is set to be buried on Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, ordered that he be buried within 72 hours.
- Despite being given a state funeral, he will be buried in a private ceremony, as explained by his brother, Oburu Oginga.
- Raila’s grave was dug next to the grave of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, at the family burial ground in Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
