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The Legacy of Fear: How the Shadow of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Shaped Kenya's Political Landscape In the annals of Kenya's political history, the events of 1969 stand out as a defining moment marked by fear, coercion, and manipulation. The political tension surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga's candidature led to a series of oath-taking ceremonies in Gatundu that forever altered the fabric of Kenyan society. Understanding this historical context is crucial, especially when contemporary politicians attempt to invoke these dark chapters for political gain. The Fear of Jaramogi and the Birth of the Gatundu Oath The roots of the infamous Gatundu oath can be traced back to the fear and propaganda surrounding Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the former vice-president and then-leader of the opposition. By 1969, the political landscape in Kenya was charged with tension. The assassination of Cabinet Minister Tom Mboya on 5th July 1969 had already set a volatile backdrop. Within this context, Pr

RIP, Odongo Omamo ka liech

Veteran politician and former long serving Cabinet minister Dr William Odongo Omamo has died, aged 82.

He made his mark in politics when he ousted Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who is considered the father of opposition politics, as Bondo MP in 1969 on a Kanu ticket. In his condolence message, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said his death came "as a shock and a surprise to me and the whole country".

Renown for his oratory skills, Dr Omamo, fondly referred to as Ka liech (like an elephant), had been ailing for some time. He died this morning, and his body has been removed to the Lee Funeral Home, Nairobi.

He was the first African Principal of the then Egerton Agricultural College, the modern day Egerton University and according to the PM "set the institution on the firm foundation that has made it what it is today".

"His death is particularly a loss to the people of Bondo where he began his political career and Nyanza where he was part and parcel of the political landscape from the time country held the second general election in 1969. As Cabinet Minister in various ministries in independent Kenya, Omamo contributed to the making of the Kenyan nation. It is sad that the nation will not benefit from his wisdom as we embark on the final leg of our long search for a new constitution," said Mr Odinga in his message.

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