This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has paid tribute to his cousin, former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, who passed away on Monday evening. Raila shared a heart-wrenching story of how he received the news of Midiwo's death and his last encounter with him at the ICU.
Speaking during a memorial service at Citam Valley Road church, Raila said he last talked to Midiwo on Thursday following the death of Midiwo's elder sister. He explained that Midiwo had asked him not to attend the burials because his presence would attract many people and go against MoH protocols.
On Monday evening, Raila received a phone call from Midiwo's sister, who was sobbing and told him that Midiwo was dead. Raila narrated that he rushed to the hospital, where Midiwo appeared to be smiling at the ICU. However, when he went to the ICU, he found Jakoyo Midiwo lying there, and he was dead.
Raila described Midiwo as more of a friend than a cousin, mentioning that when Midiwo was studying in the US, he took care of his children. He also praised Midiwo's ability to work across the aisle and get along with members from across the political divide.
‘I will dearly miss Jakoyo Midiwo. He had a rare ability to work across the aisle and got along with members from across the political divide,' Raila said.
‘He was a true Kenyan...he had a clear vision as to what Kenya should be...he used to express it emotionally. He was not to be pushed back. It is in our blood. You can trace it back to our parents and grandparents,' Raila added.
Adding: ‘Midiwo’s spirit should work to unite Kenya going forward.'
