ODM leader Raila Odinga will on Friday snub Sharon Otieno's burial at Magare village in Homa Bay, a source privy to his itinerary has revealed.
Ms. Otieno, the Rongo University student and a girlfriend to Migori Governor Okoth Obado, will be laid to rest after almost two months of waiting since her brutal murder.
Instead, Raila will be attending the burial of Mzee Aketch Chieng', a senior Luo elder, just few kilometres away from Sharon Otieno's home.
"Raila jetted in from China and Ethiopia today and will be in Homa Bay and Kakamega on Friday and Saturday respectively.
"At Homa Bay, he will attend the funeral of Mzee Aketch Chieng', a senior Luo elder, not far away though from Sharon's home," said the source, who requested anonymity because he's not authorized to speak on behalf of Mr. Odinga.
It will be Raila's third return to unpredictable South Nyanza region in just a month after attending Prof Ouma Muga's burial and two more days in Migori senatorial by-election csmpaigns that saw ODM candidate Ochillo Ayacko carry the day, though the race was closely contested by Eddy Oketch.
With the burial expected to attract hundreds of mourners among them politicians from Homa Bay, it however remains a puzzle whether or not Mr. Odinga will adjust his schedule to pass by.
Upon receiving Sharon Otieno's death, Odinga who was meeting Migori leaders said: " I condemn such retrogressive act and I urge police to arrest those responsible."
Since then, Migori Governor Okoth Obado along with his aides Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero have been arrested and charged with murder with their bail application fate set for Wednesday next week.
Mr. Obado's supporters back at home accused ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohammed and Mr. Odinga of allegedly orchastrating the county boss's woes.
Sharon Otieno's family is being represented in court by Homa Bay Town MP Opondo Kaluma, a close ally of Mr. Odinga. She was seven months pregnant at the time of death.
Raila is keen to consolidate his South Nyanza support with the nullification of Governor Cyprian Awiti's victory also being part of his headache.
After the Homa Bay funeral, Raila will spend a night at his Opoda farm in Siaya and will on Saturday join President Uhuru Kenyatta for Mashujaa Day celebrations Bukhungu stadium.
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