Ida Odinga
during former
Prime Minister
Raila Odinga’s
burial yesterday
in Bondo, Siaya
county /PCS
Heartache crossed her face as Ida Odinga remembered Raila,
the man she lived with, wept with and, laughed with for 52 years.
He was her one and only love, she told a cheering crowd yesterday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
For more than five decades, Mama Ida knew no other confidant, soulmate, adviser or husband except Raila—the late former Prime Minister.
“I never imagined that this would fall on me—to lead the family
and the world in burying Raila. I had hoped it would be the other way around,”
she said, disconsolate.
Still, Ida said she had accepted God’s decision. “With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God,” she declared.
Raila, a giant of democracy, a human rights defender, a patriot and a Pan-Africanist, was laid to rest yesterday in an elaborate state funeral at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya county.
Wearing a black gown and a matching wide-brimmed hat, Mama Ida began her eulogy by acknowledging God’s goodness, even amid her pain.
“Raila has been my husband for 52 years. As older couples, we
had our challenges, but we learnt how to talk to each other and forgive one
another,” she said.
Recalling her youth, Ida told mourners that when she married Raila, politics was the last thing on her mind. She and her friends at the University of Nairobi had pledged to marry only calm, professional men—engineers and doctors.
“Out of my group, I was the first to marry. I married an engineer, a man of calm demeanor and reflective character. They all congratulated me because of that.”
“Little did I know I was marrying a political engineer who would go on to make the engineering of Kenya his lifelong project,” she said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
After many years of marriage, Ida said her view of politics—in which the family struggled, suffered and triumphed—had changed completely.
She said that if given another chance, she would still marry Raila, even knowing he was destined to be a politician.
His widow described Raila as a passionate family man who always made time for his wife and children despite the demands of public life.
“I think the next person he loved after me—besides his children—is Dr Oburu,” she said, referring to Raila’s elder brother and confidant, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
Ida acknowledged that their marriage, like any other, had its share of ups and downs, but the couple learnt that dialogue and forgiveness were the keys to harmony.
“Juggling family and public life exerted extreme pressure on us from time to time. I know Raila was often more in political life than family life, but every time he came home, he gave us what we deserved,” she said.
She concluded her tribute by reflecting on Raila’s turbulent political journey—from detention to exile—saying she would forever cherish his spirit.
“He is never coming back, but his spirit lives on,” she said.
Oburu eulogised him as a true friend and comrade, saying, “I have lost my best friend in life.
“I will never have another friend like Raila. I really feel like not saying anything because my best friend is gone.”
Oburu recalled how Raila’s passion for fairness and justice emerged at a young age. “One day, my father came from Kisumu and told us to go pick cotton. But Raila told him that such work was tough and that he should try it himself… of course, he was punished a bit,” he recounted, drawing light laughter from the mourners.
He also recalled the pain the family endured during Raila’s imprisonment without trial. “In the 1982 attempted coup, my brother was arrested and charged with treason. It was a very sad moment for us,” Oburu said.
Raila’s younger sister, Ruth, described her brother as a man who gave everything for his country. “My heart is heavy, my heart is in pain,” she said, her voice trembling.
She spoke of the immense struggles Raila endured in the fight for democracy and justice, often at the expense of his health and family.
“You have suffered for this country, and many could not see it. Go rest now, my brother. You have done your part,” she said.
Ruth said Raila’s dedication to Kenya came at a deep personal cost.
“Our family has suffered because he sacrificed himself for Kenya. He died still crying for the country,” she said, breaking down in emotion.
She described Raila as a strong man, one not easily shaken, but said it was painful to see him lying lifeless after years of tireless struggle.
“Raila has suffered for the Kenyan people. It’s not easy to see someone as strong as him lying there,” she added.
Raila Odinga Jnr mourned his father as a steadfast Pan-Africanist and patriot who fought for democracy.
“We are no longer mourning Jakom, but 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 their support during Raila’s final journey.
“We have received immense support from President Ruto and the government, which has enabled us to give our father a decent send-off befitting his stature,” Raila Jnr said.
Raila’s youngest daughter, East African Legislative Assembly MP
Winnie Odinga, hinted at a return to local politics following her father’s
death.
“Your Excellency, our people appreciate you honouring our father,” she said.
“Thank you for standing
with us. You should also know—in case you are wondering — I’m ready to come
back home.”
The crowd applauded.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was buried yesterday at the family graveyard, Kang'o Ka Jaramogi, marking the end of a long political career.
He died in India on Wednesday while undergoing undisclosed treatment. Raila collapsed from a heart attack during a regular morning walk. He was eulogised as an icon of democracy, a human rights defender, a patriot, a Pan-Africanist and a man who wrapped his family in love.
