SK Macharia and Odinga’s family relationship explained
Royal Media Services Chairman SK Macharia has opened up about his long-standing relationship with the Odinga family, a bond that dates back decades to the days of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
Speaking before the installation of the head of the Odinga family on Thursday, October 23, 2025, Macharia shared a heartfelt recollection of his final moments with the late Jaramogi.
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“The last day Jaramogi left Nairobi, we walked through her (Mama Ida) as his secretary. I walked him through the stairs of Ajib House. As I put him in the car, he said he would come back next week so we could go and see President Moi,” Macharia narrated.
He revealed that Jaramogi had already contacted President Moi to request a meeting involving the three of them: Moi, Jaramogi, and Macharia.
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“He had rung President Moi and told him he wanted an appointment with him and SK. So I walked him downstairs and put him in the car. As I did, he told me he has two sons, Oburu and Raila, and since I am older, I should take care of them,” he recalled.
Macharia said that Jaramogi’s request became a lifelong promise he honoured, which explains his close relationship with the Odinga family over the years.
“So whenever you have been hearing rumours that a Kikuyu called SK, even during Matiba’s time, Kibaki’s time, or Uhuru’s time, is supporting Raila — it is because they are my brothers. They were left for me, and she (Mama Ida) can testify to that, by their father Oginga Odinga,” he said emotionally.
Reflecting on Jaramogi’s legacy, Macharia described him as a visionary leader who dedicated his life to Kenya’s freedom and democracy.
“You will find him there ( telling Ida Odinga) he was a great man, just like his son. He has given to this country what we don’t yet understand. Maybe history will tell us, but for now, we don’t know anyone else who has given that much of his life to this nation,” he said.
Mama Ida
Mama Ida Odinga also recounted how the friendship between the Odinga family and SK Macharia began in the early 1990s.
“The story of the Odingas and SK goes way back. It started in the early ’90s, and SK has been a close friend of this family. I remember in early 1992, in March, when I was sacked for the second time, the first person who reached out to me was SK,” she said.
She further recalled meeting SK at Ajib House, where Jaramogi’s office was located.
“When that happened, I moved to Ajib House, where Jaramogi’s office was, and SK came there. He thought I was the secretary, but I actually acted as one,” Mama Ida reminisced with a smile.
Since then, SK Macharia has stood by the Odinga family through countless moments both in their political struggles and personal lives.
“He has been with us through very many journeys,” she said. “SK, I want to thank you so much for being there for the Odinga family. May God bless you abundantly.”
The deep bond between the two families, rooted in mutual respect and shared history, continues to be a testament to the enduring friendships that have shaped Kenya’s political journey.
