Retired President Daniel Moi on Saturday recalled how he teamed up with Oduya Oprong and other like-minded leaders to push for the release of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta from prison.
Oduya Oprong was the first MP for Teso North Constituency.
In a condolence message read by his son, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi during the burial service of Oduya Oprong, Moi said he was saddened by the death of Oprong.
The funeral service was held at Angurai Primary School grounds.
The burial ceremony was attended by former prime minister Raila Odinga, Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong, Senator Moses Wetangula (Bungoma), Ochilo Ayacko (Homa Bay), James Orengo(Siaya) and nine Members of Parliament,
The former President said upon Kenyatta’s release from prison, Oprong urged him to have Kenyatta visit Teso where he addressed a mammoth rally in Malaba.
Moi said the rally was also attended by thousands of Ugandans from across the border.
Moi said Oprong fought for the creation of Busia North Constituency of which he became the first MP.
“Mzee Kenyatta recognized his ability and understanding of workers’ needs and appointed him assistant minister for Labor.In my Government I appointed him assistant minister for Economic Planning and Development,” Mzee Moi said.
Moi added that in 1994, he was devastated when Oprong was shot by unknown people.
Mzee Moi said he organized for his treatment in London and United States but doctors advised against removing a bullet that remained lodged in his head.
I remember in 1963 there was no single secondary school in Teso land but Oprong spearheaded the construction of St Paul’s Amukura, Kolanya and Sulumeti,” he said.
Raila eulogized Oprong as Kenya’s hero who fought for independence with his father Jaramogi Oginga, Masinde Muliro and Tom Mboya.
“Before the bullet that dented his future career, Oprong was a real man who always spoke the truth without fear and no politician could scare his resolve to help his people,” Raila eulogized Oprong.
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong said as the Amagoro Member of Parliament, he spearheaded the construction of a Secondary school and named it after Oduya Oprong.
Senator Orengo said Oprong was his political mentor while his Bungoma counterpart Moses Wetangula urged the current parliament to push for former MPs to be given pensions so that they can live recognized lives as leaders.
Likoni MP Mbishi Mboko said she will marshal leaders for a mega harambee to start girls’ secondary school in honor of the late Oduya Oprong.