Ida Odinga Shares Stories behind Her Children’s Names

Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, moved mourners on Friday as she opened up about her family’s personal life, sharing the special meanings behind the names of her four children.

Speaking at Nyayo Stadium during the state funeral, Ida reflected with emotion and nostalgia on the moments that shaped her family’s history, revealing how each name represented love, memory, and the ideals that defined her husband’s legacy.

Ida, who was married to Raila for 52 years, began by recalling the story of their firstborn son, Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga. She admitted that she was initially unsure about the name.

“When he was born, I was a bit hesitant about the way Raila wanted to name him. I asked, ‘Why Fidel?’” she said.

Raila explained that he admired the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, whose courage and defiance inspired him. “That is how we ended up calling him Fidel,” she said, describing it as a name that symbolized resilience and the struggle for justice.

Their second child, Rosemary Odinga, was named to honor both sides of their family. “Rose is the name of my father, and Mary is the name of his mother,” Ida shared. Combining the two names, she said, was a way of keeping their family roots alive and connecting generations.

When it came to their third child, Raila Odinga Jr., Ida said his name was chosen out of love and family pride. “He was named after Raila’s cousin and best friend, Raila Kembo,” she said, noting that the name carried deep sentimental and historical value within the Odinga family.

Ida became especially animated as she spoke about the birth of her youngest child, Winnie Odinga. She recalled being in the hospital in February 1990 as South African freedom icon Nelson Mandela was released from prison.

“As I was watching the TV, I could see Nelson and Winnie Mandela holding hands as Mandela walked out of prison,” she said. “We didn’t know what kind of child I would get, but I said, if it’s a boy, we would name him Nelson, and if it’s a girl, Winnie.”

That moment of global history became intertwined with their family story, leading to the naming of their daughter Winnie Odinga.

Ida encouraged young parents to give their children names that carry meaning and history. “I know these days you can name your child any name you want, but I appeal to those with children — give your child a meaningful name,” she said.

Reflecting on her long marriage, she added, “We got married in 1973 and lived with this man for 52 years. Many people here in this stadium could easily have been our children. No wonder you called him Baba. The name didn’t come from nowhere, but from the experience and relationship we had with so many people.”