She recounted meeting Raila in the early 1970s and marrying him in 1973, describing him as a man of principle, intellect, and unwavering resilience, whose life was defined by political activism and service to the nation
Dar es Salaam. The widow of the late Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga, delivered a moving tribute to her husband at his State Funeral in Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 reflecting on their 52 years of marriage and a life dedicated to Kenya.
She recounted meeting Raila in the early 1970s and marrying him in 1973, describing him as a man of principle, intellect, and unwavering resilience, whose life was defined by political activism and service to the nation.
“I first met Raila in the early 70s, and we married in 1973. For that reason, I lived with this remarkable man for 52 years. Many of the people in this stadium could easily be our children; no wonder he is fondly called Baba,” she said.
Ida Odinga also reflected on the significance of naming their four children after figures who inspired them. “Our first child, Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, was named after a man he admired deeply. Our second, Rosemary, combines the names of my mother and his mother.
The third, Raila Oginga Odinga Junior, honours his best friend and cousin. When our fourth was born, I had been watching the television as Nelson Mandela emerged from prison. We decided to name him Nelson if a boy, or Winnie if a girl,” she recalled.
She emphasised that Raila’s lifelong message to Kenyans was one of unity and peace. “He constantly reminded me that we must encourage Kenyans to live harmoniously, to reject dishonesty and greed, which breed corruption,” she said.
Ida Odinga candidly acknowledged that their life together was not without challenges. “Our journey had its ups and downs, but through it all, we learned to cope by embracing our strengths and weaknesses, speaking the truth, forgiving, and moving forward.
Let us not carry grudges from one generation to another or across communities. Forgiveness must be our guiding principle,” she urged
