At the first‑anniversary memorial for the late Raila Odinga held on 15 October at Migwena cultural grounds, Royal Media Services founder SK Macharia said he had personally financed a helicopter, its pilot and the fuel used on Raila’s campaign trail.

Macharia made the disclosure while addressing mourners, including Ida Odinga, and described his long‑standing relationship with the Odinga family dating back to his early encounters with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

He recounted that Jaramogi had asked him to look after his sons, Raila and Oburu, a promise he says he honoured by supporting Raila’s political campaigns from the 1992 multiparty elections onward.

Macharia also revealed that his last phone conversation with Raila took place two days before the former president’s death, when Raila invited him to Siaya to support Oburu at a function hosted by Governor James Orengo.

He added that after the 2022 general election, it was Raila and Oburu who visited his home to console him, underscoring the personal bond between the families.

Closing his remarks, Macharia described Raila as a great friend, a great Kenyan and a president Kenya needed but never had.