Ms Ida Odinga has spent more than a half a century with the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a journey she described as full of challenges but fulfilling.
“For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband, you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter,” Ms Odinga said in her eulogy to the fallen veteran opposition leader.
“Our marriage had ups and downs, but we learnt to talk straight, to forgive, and to move on. That forgiving spirit was not just in our home, it’s what Raila spread to Kenya.”
Ms Odinga said death has robbed her of a man she had planned to spend a quiet sunset together as they grow older and see their dreams getting fulfilled.
“I realise life’s plans are in the hands of a higher power. Still, I hold the memories of the life we built: full of love, resilience and unwavering support,” she said.
Speaking during the State funeral service at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Ms Odinga narrated that she first met Raila in the early 1970s, and later got married in 1973.
“I have lived with him for 52 years. Many of the people here could easily be our children, no wonder you all called him ‘Baba ’,”
In their union, Ms Odinga said they had four children, all of whom were named after people they looked up to.
Mama Ida Odinga (right) and her daughter Rosemary Odinga (left) arrive at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on October 17, 2025 for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's State funeral.
Photo credit: Lucy Wanjiru | Nation
Their first born, the late Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, was named after Odinga’s childhood hero, Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, while Rosemary was named after both mothers of Raila and Ida (Rose and Mary). Raila Junior was named after Odinga’s best friend and cousin, Raila Kembu.
“Finally came Winnie. I was in labour, watching TV as Nelson Mandela walked out of prison after 27 years, holding Winnie Mandela’s hand. I said, if it’s a boy, I’ll name him Nelson Mandela, if it’s a girl, Winnie Mandela. And that is how our Winnie came to be,” Ms Odinga said.
She urged young parents to give their children meaningful names that carry stories and honour heroes.
She also urged Kenyans to always forgive each other just like Odinga had a forgiving heart. “Please, do not carry grudges from one generation to another. We are all Kenyans, brothers and sisters,” Ms Odinga said.
According to Mama Ida, the late Raila hated dishonesty. “He hated greed; the greed that eats the fabric of our nation and leads to corruption. Those were things he did not want to see.”
Ms Odinga said that losing her husband is like losing the pillar and foundation of their family, which he always protected.
“Your love wrapped us, protected us, and your unwavering commitment to Kenya was evident until your very last breath. I am proud of the man you were, a man who fought tirelessly for justice, democracy and the future of this country,” she said in her eulogy.
Ms Odinga added that Raila’s legacy would remain etched in the lives he touched and ideals he championed.
