Emerging details indicate the opposition leader Raila Odinga's departed son Fidel Odinga remained a daddy's boy, years into adulthood.
Fidel would later be found dead at his Karen home on January 4, 2015, after having allegedly engaged in heavy partying the previous night.
Having spent close to six years away from his father who was serving his jail term for an alleged involvement in the 1982 failed coup attempt against retired President Daniel Moi's government, Fidel became so much concerned about the Orange party leader's well being.
He even at some point joined his father's bodyguards in protecting him, especially between 2008 and 2013 when the veteran politician served as the Prime Minister.
"At some point, he just wanted to be next to his father to provide extra security. I remember at one time when we were headed to Kasarani, Fidel jumped off his car and started running alongside his father’s security and escort,” a close friend of his told the Standard.
This was confirmed by Bill Yaya, a cousin to the late bright man, who narrated how he liked standing behind the former Lang'ata parliamentarian, like a bodyguard, to ensure that he was safe.
“With his height and physical stature, Fidel was like a bouncer to us. But at some point, he took it way too far especially whenever he was in the presence of his dad. If you look keenly, Fidel liked standing behind his father almost like a bodyguard,” Bill is quoted.
Fidel was observed as the most suitable heir to the Odinga family's political domination in both the Luo region and nationally.
His death came 21 years after the fall of his grandfather and the first Kenyan Vice President Jaramogi Oginga, who succumbed to heart attack in early 1994.
Both are buried in Bondo, Siaya county.
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