The news about the sudden death of Fidel Odinga, Raila’s firstborn son, yesterday shocked the nation. The 41 year old reportedly died in his father’s arms yesterday morning at his home in Karen.

Fidel’s wife, Lwam Gatachaw Bekele, is said to have called his parents after she found Fidel in distress in one of the bedrooms gasping for breath.

Leaders across the nation set their usual political differences aside and united in mourning Fidel and sending condolence messages to Raila and Ida Odinga.

“It was with a deep sense of loss, sorrow and shock that I learnt of the death of the former Prime Minister’s son, Fidel. The passing of Fidel has robbed Kenya of a promising young man whose contribution to nation building will be missed by all. My condolences go out to the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and his family. This is a big loss not only to you and your family but the entire country. On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, please accept our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. I pray that God grants you the strength and courage to bear this tragic loss,” President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The country has lost a committed and hardworking Kenyan. I want to wish the family god’s blessings during this painful moment as they mourn their son, husband, brother and father,” Justin Muturi, National Assembly Speaker.

Even though he was not a politician, Fidel’s sudden death comes as a big blow to the CORD fraternity, which recently suffered a huge loss following the unexpected demise of Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang.

Kalonzo Musyoka while condoling the Odinga family, called for an investigation into the matter.

“……..I know a lot of us are asking a lot of difficult questions, Mutula Kilonzo, Otieno Kajwang and now Fidel Castrol Odinga, first son to Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, towering, gifted young Man, I want this family (Odinga’s) to know that the whole country stands with them.

The police are on this matter; I have personally met with the director of CID Mr. Ndegwa Muhoro and have told him that he has a heavy duty to perform because Kenyans will expect nothing but the truth out of this.

Our Brother Raila is devastated and I know all of us are upon the loss of this young promising Kenyan,” Kalonzo Musyoka.

“COUNTRY ROBBED OF ASTUTE BUSINESSMAN”

Fidel had never been engaged into active politics and was only characterised by his strong business acumen. Many who came into contact with him will also describe him as humble, kind and a philanthropist.

President Uhuru acknowledged that Fidel’s “contribution to building the nation will be missed by all”.

“The country has lost an astute and focused businessman who was not only a role model to the family but the entire country,” said Majority Leader Adan Duale.

Fidel Odinga will also be missed in the social circles, which he patronized up to the last hours of his untimely death.

As Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir said; “losing a child is never easy” and the Kenya forum can only pray for strength and comfort to Raila and Ida Odinga.