CS Moses Kuria Surprises Attendees by Joining Mzee Jaramogi Odinga's Memorial in Kisumu

In an unexpected twist, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management, Moses Kuria, made an unanticipated appearance at the memorial service of Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Kisumu on Saturday. The CS, recognized for his unwavering support for President William Ruto, arrived after 2:30 pm, receiving a warm welcome from an enthusiastic crowd gathered during the ongoing event.

Despite being a vocal critic of Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio movement and son of the late Mzee Jaramogi, Moses Kuria extended greetings to the various leaders present at the memorial service, including Raila himself. Kuria's unexpected presence at an event organized by Raila added a surprising political dimension, symbolizing a rare convergence of leaders from different political affiliations coming together to honor the legacy of Kenya's founding Vice President.

Mzee Jaramogi Oginga Odinga passed away 30 years ago on January 20, 1994, in Kisumu. The memorial service, held at St Stephen's Cathedral Church in the lakeside city, aimed to commemorate and pay tribute to his enduring legacy in Kenya's history.

Raila Odinga, who orchestrated the memorial service, invited notable scholars, pan-Africanists, thought leaders, and journalists to speak, emphasizing the significant role Jaramogi played in Kenya's struggle for independence.

Born in October 1911, Jaramogi held influential positions in the country, serving as the minister for home affairs in 1963 and later becoming the vice president in 1964 under the founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

CS Moses Kuria's unexpected attendance at the memorial service reflects his close and longstanding ties with the Odinga family. In September 2023, Kuria shared a personal anecdote about Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's impact on his life, recalling how Odinga's intervention prevented his expulsion from the University of Nairobi.

"As I stand here as trade CS, I remember the journey of myself, my brother Governor James Orengo, and Senator Oburu Odinga have come from. On January 20, 1994, we were here a whole 29 years to bury Jaramogi Oginga Odinga," Kuria reflected during a previous event in Siaya.

CS Moses Kuria's unexpected presence at this memorial service serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and interconnected political landscape in Kenya, where leaders with diverse political ideologies come together to honor the influential figures who have shaped the nation's history.