This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Plans to upgrade the Kisumu residence of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga as a national heritage have sparked tension within the family, with his surviving widow, Susan Odinga, facing eviction.
According to sources, Susan has been living in the residence at Millimani, overlooking Lake Victoria, but is now expected to vacate the premises to pave the way for the upgrade.
Top officials from the National Museums of Kenya, led by Chairman Mzalendo Kibunja, have visited the residence to assess the situation.
One of the officials, who spoke to Weekly Citizen on condition of anonymity, expressed surprise that Susan was not aware of the plans.
"She told us that the home needs to be refurbished so that the infrastructure there is improved on," the official said.
The upgrade is reportedly being driven by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who wants to make the residence a national heritage site to coincide with the launch of the Kisumu Port, which is expected to be attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
