- Royal Media Services chairman SK Macharia paid an emotional tribute to Raila Odinga at the first anniversary of his death in Bondo, Siaya County
- Macharia, 83, traced his loyalty to the Odinga family back to a personal request made by their father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, in 1992
- The media mogul revealed the financial sacrifices he made for Raila over the years, including providing a helicopter, pilot and fuel during the 2022 presidential campaign
Royal Media Services (RMS) chairman Dr SK Macharia left mourners in Bondo, Siaya County visibly moved when he stepped up to pay tribute to the late former prime minister Raila Odinga at the first anniversary of his death, sharing a story of loyalty that stretches back more than three decades.
Source: UGC
The 83-year-old media mogul explained that his bond with the Odinga family was not simply one of political convenience.
It was rooted in a solemn promise he made to the family patriarch, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, following his support for Jaramogi's presidential campaign in 1992.
Jaramogi's Final Request
According to Macharia, Jaramogi approached him and entrusted him with the welfare of his two sons after recognising his loyalty during the campaign.
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"Jaramogi told me he has two sons, Oburu Odinga and Raila Odinga, and I am older than them. In case he doesn't live long, I take care of them," Macharia recalled.
That request, he said, shaped the course of his relationship with the family for the next three decades and beyond.
The Sacrifices Macharia Made Along the Way
Macharia did not shy away from detailing what that loyalty had cost him. During the 2022 presidential election campaign, he personally provided Raila with a helicopter, a pilot and fuel, all at his own expense.
He continued standing by Raila even as his political support for the opposition candidate reportedly contributed to business boycotts from some Mt Kenya entities.
Following Raila's death, Citizen TV and Ramogi TV suspended regular programming and commercial advertising to run continuous funeral and memorial coverage, a move that resulted in significant lost advertising revenue for RMS.
Despite the personal and financial weight of that loyalty, Macharia said the relationship was never one-sided. After Raila's defeat in the 2022 election, both Raila and his brother Oburu visited Macharia at his home to offer him comfort, reassuring him that another opportunity would come and urging him not to lose hope.
Macharia's description of Odinga's family
Macharia described the Odingas as his own family, going as far as saying he would be willing to relocate to Nyanza if he were ever forced to leave the Mt Kenya region.
Ida Odinga publicly thanked him for his unwavering support since the early 1990s.
His tribute drew wide attention from Kenyans who saw it as a rare and candid account of a friendship that endured political storms, ethnic divisions and decades of shifting alliances.
Reactions online captured the mood:
Kinyua Njeri:
"SK Macharia took the Bro Code seriously with exceptional loyalty to grandpa's creed and friendship"
Davis Odondi:
Chief financier of RAO's campaigns. Salute Big man."
Caxton Omusubo:
"This is a very respected man in Kenya"
Obwogo Subiri:
"That's powerful. Thank you S.K Macharia for taking care of the Odingas"
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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