A heartbroken Ida Odinga has penned a deeply emotional tribute to her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, describing him as her “partner, confidant and greatest supporter” for more than five decades.
In a written tribute read during the funeral service, Ida said the pain of Raila’s sudden passing had left her shattered.
“My dear, my heart is heavy as I write these words,” she began. “
The news of your sudden passing feels like an ache that cannot be soothed. It’s a pain so deep I find myself praying for strength, for courage, and for the peace that surpasses all understanding.”
Ida reflected on their lifelong journey together, saying she had hoped they would enjoy retirement side by side.
“For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter,” she said.
“I had dreamed of retiring together, of growing old hand in hand, sharing quiet sunsets and dreams fulfilled. But now I realise life’s plans are in the hands of a higher power.”
She described Raila as a man of immense courage, compassion, and faith, whose life taught her and many others the meaning of true humanity.
“You taught me what true courage with humanity looks like,” Ida wrote. “Through your actions and words, you showed us that forgiveness is a virtue worth cultivating that bravery is rooted in facing storms head-on with unwavering faith.”
Expressing gratitude for their shared life, Ida said her husband’s generosity and leadership extended beyond their family to the entire nation.
“You opened not only our home, but also your heart, extending your fatherly love beyond our nuclear family,” she said.
“Your guidance, your sacrifices, your unwavering dedication they left a legacy that will forever shine brightly in our family and in the fabric of this nation.”
She described his passing as the loss of a pillar of strength, not just to their family but to Kenya as a whole.
“Losing you feels like losing a foundation of strength for us all,” she said. “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.”
Ida also thanked Kenyans and friends around the world for their messages of comfort, saying their solidarity had brought her peace amid grief.
“The outpouring of love and solidarity from across Kenya and the world has overwhelmed me in the most humbling way,” she said. “It reassures me that your spirit lives on in every heart you touched.”
She ended her tribute with a moving farewell.
“Farewell, my dear. You have run your race with honour, with courage and with unwavering love for Kenya. May the Lord rest your soul in eternal peace. Until we meet again, know that you are forever in my heart.”
