Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga has sent a heartfelt condolence message to Mathare Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Anthony Oluoch following the death of his father, Mzee Charles Antony Ondiek.

Raila says the lawmaker’s father died after a 15-year battle with cancer.

In his message issued via the ODM official social media pages on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Raila described Mzee Ondiek as a towering pillar of the Kanyakwar community and the wider Kisumu County, recalling their time working together at the Kenya Bureau of Standards in the 1970s.

“Dear Antony, It is with great sorrow that I have learned of the passing of your beloved father. Mzee Charles Antony Ondiek, following a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. I know this is an incredibly painful loss to your family, and pray that you find the strength and comfort to endure this heartbreaking time,” Raila stated.

Raila went ahead to describe his relationship with Mzee Ondiek.

“I knew Mzee well, having worked with him at the Kenya Bureau of Standards in the 1970s, and Kanyakwar has indeed lost a towering pillar of the community, as has the greater Kisumu County. Please accept my deepest condolences, and kindly extend the same to your entire family, friends, and all those who were close to Mzee,” Raila’s message read.

“May the Almighty God be with you during this difficult time, and may Mzee’s soul rest in eternal peace.”