Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo has addressed the controversy surrounding the guest list for the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, clarifying claims that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were formally invited.
The legislator explained that the organising committee and the Odinga family did not send specific invitations to the two leaders, although the event was open to people from different political backgrounds.
Speaking during an interview, Amollo said the family wanted the occasion to bring people together and honour Raila’s life rather than create political divisions among leaders.
He also defended Raila’s widow, Ida Odinga, saying she and the family had faced unfair criticism over how the anniversary event was organised.
According to Amollo, the family had a clear plan for the memorial. President William Ruto was specifically invited because of his contribution to Raila’s life and political journey.
The President was initially expected to unveil Raila’s mausoleum on October 15, followed by prayers and speeches at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County. However, the programme changed after the family learnt that Ruto would unveil the mausoleum earlier, on October 7, and would not be available on the anniversary date.
Amollo’s clarification comes after Gachagua publicly thanked Ida for inviting him to the memorial. The former Deputy President explained that he could not attend because he was in the United States for a programme that had been arranged earlier.
The question of Uhuru’s invitation also attracted public attention after reports emerged that the retired President had been considered for a major role during the anniversary celebrations.
The guest list became a subject of political discussion after several senior leaders failed to attend the October 15 event. Some politicians questioned the decision to include leaders who had disagreed with Raila and his supporters in the past.
Amollo maintained that the family wanted the gathering to remain a respectful occasion for remembering the former Prime Minister.