A memorial service for the late ODM party leader Raila Odinga is set to be held in Homa Bay town on Wednesday.
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the special memorial service will take place at the Raila Odinga Stadium on Wednesday to give residents who did not travel to Bondo an opportunity to pay their respects to the late former Prime Minister.
However, residents have expressed mixed reactions to the event, with some terming it unnecessary while others welcomed it as a moment for healing.
Politician Odiyo Owidi criticised the event, calling it a waste of resources.
“I suggest you call off the mourning function and use the money to buy medicine for hospitals or complete a few dispensaries,” he said.
ODM members in Homa Bay differed with Mr. Owidi’s opinion, saying the memorial would give supporters who could not attend the Bondo service a chance to mourn their leader.
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Karachuonyo ODM Chairperson George Maigo said critics were entitled to their opinions but urged them not to use the opportunity to limit others’ freedoms.
Rangwe ODM Chairperson Caroline Owidhi said party members were still grieving and needed a platform to find closure.
“This is the only opportunity they have to heal and move on. Let us all converge at the stadium to mourn our party leader,” she said.
Suba North ODM Chairperson Narkiso Tuko added that Odinga’s death was a great loss to many Kenyans and that the memorial was fitting.
“Those who will gather at the stadium are people who loved Odinga,” he said, dismissing claims that public funds would be used or mourners paid.
Youths from the county led by Fred Okwany, Sinond Okello, and Philip Osinde noted that the service was announced on short notice, and some residents may miss attending.
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