Former non-executive chairperson of lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Odoyo Owidi has publicly criticized Governor Gladys Wanga for planning a lavish memorial service for the late Raila Odinga.
The event is set for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town. Owidi argues the gathering, just three weeks after Odinga's burial, diverts funds from urgent local needs.
Raila Odinga, Kenya's veteran opposition leader and former prime minister, died on October 15, 2025, at age 80 from a heart attack while receiving treatment in India.
His state funeral drew massive crowds to venues like Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Nyayo Stadium, Kisumu's Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, and his Bondo home.
Thousands from Homa Bay joined those viewings, where Odinga's family received condolences directly.The planned Homa Bay memorial forms part of Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) nationwide mourning series, as announced by party officials.
Wanga, ODM's national chairperson and a close Odinga ally, has described the late leader as a father figure who shaped her political path.
She noted in an October tribute that Odinga mentored her during her rise from Homa Bay Woman Representative to governor.
In a scathing open letter shared on social media, Owidi questioned the event's timing and expense. "Knowing you and functions, I can see several millions spent here for the memorial of a man who was buried just two weeks ago," he wrote, adding that Homa Bay residents already mourned adequately in Kisumu and Bondo.
He urged Wanga to airlift Odinga's family only if truly needed, stating, "Don't you think they need to move on?"
Owidi highlighted Homa Bay's pressing crises to underscore his point. County workers await October salaries, he noted, while pending bills push families into debt and banks impose loan penalties. Stalled projects include the Homa Bay Accident and Emergency Centre, dozens of dispensaries, and ECD classrooms, with hospitals facing medicine shortages and staff deficits.
Water projects in Kendu Bay and Oyugis sit idle for lack of connection funds, and the town lacks a slaughterhouse for five sub-counties, Owidi explained.
He accused Wanga of prioritizing "party after party" entertainment, including traditional dances, over service delivery.
"From wherever you are getting the money for party after party, tell them to allow you to divert the money to serve those who elected you," he stated.
Owidi suggested annual memorials on Odinga's death or burial date instead.
He closed by imploring Wanga to cancel the event: "Use the money to buy medicine in hospitals or complete a few dispensaries. Better still, consolidate to pay salaries. Get your priorities right."
His state funeral drew massive crowds to venues like Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Nyayo Stadium, Kisumu's Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, and his Bondo home.
Thousands from Homa Bay joined those viewings, where Odinga's family received condolences directly.The planned Homa Bay memorial forms part of Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) nationwide mourning series, as announced by party officials.
Wanga, ODM's national chairperson and a close Odinga ally, has described the late leader as a father figure who shaped her political path.
She noted in an October tribute that Odinga mentored her during her rise from Homa Bay Woman Representative to governor.
In a scathing open letter shared on social media, Owidi questioned the event's timing and expense. "Knowing you and functions, I can see several millions spent here for the memorial of a man who was buried just two weeks ago," he wrote, adding that Homa Bay residents already mourned adequately in Kisumu and Bondo.
He urged Wanga to airlift Odinga's family only if truly needed, stating, "Don't you think they need to move on?"
Owidi highlighted Homa Bay's pressing crises to underscore his point. County workers await October salaries, he noted, while pending bills push families into debt and banks impose loan penalties. Stalled projects include the Homa Bay Accident and Emergency Centre, dozens of dispensaries, and ECD classrooms, with hospitals facing medicine shortages and staff deficits.
Water projects in Kendu Bay and Oyugis sit idle for lack of connection funds, and the town lacks a slaughterhouse for five sub-counties, Owidi explained.
He accused Wanga of prioritizing "party after party" entertainment, including traditional dances, over service delivery.
"From wherever you are getting the money for party after party, tell them to allow you to divert the money to serve those who elected you," he stated.
Owidi suggested annual memorials on Odinga's death or burial date instead.
He closed by imploring Wanga to cancel the event: "Use the money to buy medicine in hospitals or complete a few dispensaries. Better still, consolidate to pay salaries. Get your priorities right."
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