The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Mama Ida Odinga has said she never imagined a time would come when she would have to lay her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to rest.
Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Ida said she had always believed her husband would be the one to outlive her.
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Dressed in black with a matching hat, Ida began her tribute by acknowledging God’s grace even amid deep sorrow, thanking Kenyans, regional leaders, and the international community for standing with the family during their loss.
“I never thought I would be the one leading the family and the nation in burying Raila. I believed it would be the other way round,” she said, before adding, “With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God.”
She thanked President William Ruto and his administration for granting Raila a dignified send-off, saying it marked an unforgettable moment for the Nyanza region.
“Mr President, my family appreciates you for being a man of your word and standing by us,” she said.
Ida also extended gratitude to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, describing him as a loyal and consistent friend of the family.
Reflecting on her early years, she said politics was never in her plans when she married Raila. As a young woman at the University of Nairobi, she and her friends had agreed to marry calm professionals — engineers and doctors.
“I was the first to marry — an engineer, gentle and thoughtful. My friends congratulated me. Little did I know I had married a political engineer who would dedicate his life to re-engineering Kenya,” she said to laughter from mourners.
After 54 years of marriage, Ida said her view of politics had completely changed and that she would still choose Raila if given another chance — even knowing what their journey would entail.
She described Raila as a devoted husband and father who, despite his demanding political career, always found time for his family.
“After loving me, the next person he loved most — besides his children — is Dr Oburu,” she joked, referring to Raila’s elder brother.
Ida admitted their marriage had its challenges but said open communication and forgiveness kept them united.
“Balancing family and public life was never easy, but whenever Raila came home, he gave us the love and attention we deserved,” she said.
She concluded by honouring Raila’s resilience through decades of political struggle, saying his spirit would forever remain alive. “He may not return, but his spirit lives on,” she said.
