Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga, has arrived at the family’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, for the first time since her husband’s death.
Raila, who died on October 15 at the age of 80, passed away in India while receiving treatment. His body was repatriated to Kenya and received by President William Ruto at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday.
Initially, Raila’s remains were to be taken to Lee Funeral Home before being moved to Parliament for public viewing. However, the plans were changed following the large crowds that gathered both at the airport and Parliament buildings. The body was instead taken to Kasarani Stadium, where chaos broke out, leaving at least three people dead.
On Friday, which had been declared a public holiday, Raila’s body lay in state at Parliament, where President Ruto and other leaders paid their final respects. Later, a state funeral was held at Nyayo Stadium.
During the ceremony, Mama Ida urged Kenyans to honour her late husband’s legacy by embracing forgiveness, rejecting greed, and promoting peace — values she said defined Raila’s life and leadership.
“Don’t carry grudges from one generation to another,” she pleaded. “We are all Kenyans, and we must learn to forgive easily and build a together Kenya.”
She described Raila as a man of integrity who detested corruption and greed, saying he always believed peace was the foundation of progress. “Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed — the greed that has eaten into the fabric of our society, that leads people to steal from public coffers. He would not have liked to see it,” she said.
Mama Ida also expressed deep gratitude to Kenyans for standing with her family during the difficult time. “I thank all of you who have come, and those watching from home, for helping us mourn Raila. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
Raila’s children — Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Odinga Junior — also gave emotional tributes. Rosemary recalled the pain of learning about her father’s death, describing it as a moment that shattered their world. “Until today, it is still very difficult for us to feel like a family,” she said softly.
Winnie Odinga moved mourners to tears as she described her father as both her “Dad and superhero.” “I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my Dad,” she said. “The biggest part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the spirit of the lion roars on forever. The King is dead — but long live the crown.”
She celebrated her father’s humour, humility, and deep love for his grandchildren, recalling how he spent time with them across the country. “I started getting sidelined for holidays. I’d just wake up and see Baba in Kasarani with Saphie, or Malindi with Senayi,” she said with a smile.
Winnie also urged Kenyans to uphold her father’s values.
“He taught us that defeat is not failure, that conviction is not arrogance, and that peace is always greater than pride,” she said.
Raila’s body was airlifted to Kisumu on Saturday morning and is currently lying at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, where public viewing is ongoing. He will be laid to rest on Sunday at his Opoda Farm in Bondo, beside his late mother at Kang’o ka Jaramogi.
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