Former Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang’ was not only a skilled leader, but also a funny person who always had the ability to warm up a sleepy crowd wherever he went.
The close confidant of opposition leader Raila Odinga was also known for his iconic fly whisk which he always carried in all political events and his ‘Mapambano’ slogan.
About the fly whisk, otherwise known as ‘Orengo’ in Dholuo, it is said that it contained magical abilities that enabled him light up the crowds of supporters during political rallies.
Speaking to the Standard in 2014, Suba lawmaker John Mbadi confirmed this, noting that he really valued the property, and kept it hidden when not in use.
“It was the only black fly whisk he would carry around in all political rallies, and with it, he used to fire up the crowd. Even his close allies did not know where he kept it,” the Orange Party Chair was quoted by the daily.
Because of this, he was once forced to drive from his home in Mbita to Kericho in search of the Orengo when he couldn’t trace it after a political function, but would later find it under a car seat after a long search.
His seat was inherited by his younger brother Moses Kajwang after his death in late 2014, before securing it in the concluded poll.
He also served as the Immigration Minister in the Grand Coalition government co-led by Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki between 2008 and 2013 and also doubled up as the Mbita parliamentarian.
#historynow