The widow of the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, delivered an emotional tribute to her husband during his State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on Friday, reflecting on over five decades together and celebrating the life, values, and legacy of a man revered by millions as “Baba.”
“One thing I know is that Raila stood for and kept repeating is that we need peace in our nation and homes. For that reason, I appeal that we mourn Raila in peace. I know you are all concerned, but let us keep the peace, not only here but across the country,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of unity and harmony even in grief.
Ida described her marriage to Raila as a partnership that withstood trials and triumphs alike.
“I have lived peacefully with this man for the past 52 years. Many of you sitting here in this stadium are our children, which is why you call him ‘Baba,’” she said, highlighting the deep personal connection Kenyans felt with the former Prime Minister.
Recalling Odinga’s principles, she noted, “He hated dishonesty, he hated greed—the greed that leads to stealing from the public and corruption. Those are the kinds of things that Raila would not have liked to see.”
Reflecting on their family life, Ida shared how their children were named in honor of historical figures and heroes who inspired them.
Their first child, the late Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, was named after the Cuban leader. Rosemary combined both parents’ mothers’ names.
Raila Oginga Odinga Junior was named after Raila’s cousin and close friend. The youngest, inspired by the release of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, was named Nelson or Winnie, depending on the gender, to honour the global icons of justice and freedom.
“Our lives were not a smooth ride. We had our ups and downs, but as we continued living together, we learned how to cope because we have weaknesses and strengths. We learnt to talk straight truth to one another, speak the truth, forgive, and move on,” Ida said.
She urged Kenyans to emulate these values in their daily lives, encouraging them not to “carry grudges from one generation to another, from one group to another, from sisters and brothers. We must learn to forgive easily.”
Although Raila Odinga never ascended to the presidency despite multiple bids, he leaves behind a formidable legacy as a champion of democracy, social justice, and national unity.
His moral courage, resilience, and lifelong dedication to Kenya earned him respect across political divides and admiration from multiple generations.
Spanning over four decades, Odinga’s political career included his tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013, leading major opposition movements, and contesting five presidential elections, many of which were marred by claims of electoral manipulation.
The State Funeral takes place amid seven days of official national mourning before Odinga is laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County, about 60km west of Kisumu, on Sunday.
According to the family, it was his wish to be buried as quickly as possible, ideally within 72 hours.
