Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's wife, Ida, speaking during the funeral in Bondo on october 19, 2025./MAURICE ALAL
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, has urged the government to prioritise reforms in Kenya’s health sector and education system.
The move, she said, is key to honouring her late husband’s vision for a better nation.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service, Ida said there is a need for leaders to focus on improving the lives of Kenyans rather than pursuing personal gain.
“With hard work, determination, and focus so can change our country. We have leaders here, focus on changing the country. Let us not seek leadership to enrich ourselves, to acquire wealth for ourselves but for Kenya and the generation to come,” she said.
Ida called on the government to correct Kenya’s health institutions and ensure that citizens have access to quality medical services and education.
“In the name of Raila, I appeal that we focus on national wealth instead of personal wealth, I appeal that we work on quality education, education that will lead us to be people that God made us to be. I appeal that we have our nation in order, correct our health institutions so that it gives us the kind of life that we are meant to live,” he said.
Ida said she had accepted to let her husband rest among friends, family, and patriots who went ahead of him expressing confidence that he is comfortable where he is.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga Junior mourned his late father as a steadfast Pan-Africanist and patriot who fought for the country's democracy.
He said Kenyans across the country and the world at large have mourned Raila since he died on October 15 while undergoing treatment in India. Raila Junior said they are celebrating the life of a man well lived.
"We are no longer mourning Jakom, but we are celebrating his life today as we give him a final send off," he said.
He thanked President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and the government for massive support during Raila's final journey.
"We have received support from President Ruto and the government, which has enabled us to give our father a decent send-off befitting his stature," Raila Jr said.
He lauded the staff of Raila, who took good care of him throughout his political life and as a father to his children. On her part, Winnie Odinga appreciated Ruto for standing with the family during the death of her father.
"We honour you for the support and good work to our family. The King is gone; long live the crown," she said.
Winnie also thanked Raila's staff for their commitment in their work while serving the late premier. Rosemary euologised her father as loving, who took good care of his children.
She challenged Kenyans to emulate the good deed of Raila, who championed democracy and rights of Kenyans.
