Oscar Sudi visits Mama Ida in Bondo, pays tribute to Raila

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi visits Mama Ida Odinga at her home in Bondo to condole with the family following Raila's death, October 25, 2025. /SCREENGRAB COURTESY

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi Saturday paid a visit to the Bondo home of Mama Ida Odinga to convey his condolences following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The legislator, accompanied by about 30 people who he said were part of Youth for Raila in 2007, was warmly received at the Odinga residence, where he joined the family in remembrance of the late opposition leader.

Inside the family’s home, Sudi and his delegation gathered around a large table alongside Mama Ida and other close relatives, sharing moments of reflection and offering their condolences.

A notable gesture during the visit was the presentation of a poster featuring a portrait of Raila Odinga in a suit, taken during a past campaign period.

The poster bore the word “Luminaries” — symbolising the former Premier’s long-standing legacy in Kenyan politics and his role as a visionary leader.

Members of Sudi’s team signed their names around the poster before handing it to Mama Ida as a token of respect and remembrance.

Mama Ida with Raila's portrait bearing signatures of Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi and members of his delegation who accompanied him to Bondo, October 25, 2025. /SCREEGRAB

Sudi himself added his signature to the keepsake, which Mama Ida received with gratitude as media cameras captured the solemn exchange.

Speaking during the visit on Saturday, Sudi reflected on his personal connection with Raila, recalling their interactions beyond the political sphere.

“Our team is big, and we have come here to pay our condolences,” he said.

“Baba Raila was very special. In politics, we would talk, and when I called him, we would even laugh together. That was Baba.”

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi speaks after visiting Raila Odinga's grave in Bondo, October 25, 2025. /SCREENGRAB COURTESY

He went on to reminisce about their early days in politics, sharing that they once campaigned together in his 20s before each charted their own political path.

The MP described Raila as a father figure and a mentor, noting that their friendship went beyond political differences.

Mama Ida, in response, expressed her appreciation for the visit, noting that she recognised some of the visitors from earlier years when they had interacted with her husband.

The moment brought a mix of nostalgia and emotion as she recounted shared memories from the family’s long journey alongside Kenya’s political class.

Before the indoor meeting, Sudi and his delegation had paid a visit to the gravesite at Kangó ka Jaramogi, where they laid flowers and offered prayers.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi visits Raila Odinga's grave in Bondo, October 25, 2025. /SCREENGRAB COURTESY

Raila Odinga Junior was also present during the event, joining in welcoming the guests and participating in the brief moment of reflection at the graveside.

“Aside from politics, he (Raila) was a very close friend of mine — he was like a father to me,” Sudi said.

“We have come here with deep sorrow and great respect for the family of the late Raila Odinga and the entire team, and we wish to express our heartfelt condolences," 

The Kapseret MP’s visit adds to the growing list of leaders who have made their way to the Odinga family home in Bondo since the burial of the former Prime Minister on Sunday, October 19.

From political allies to long-time rivals, many have trooped to the lakeside town to honour a man widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.