In a moving tribute during the final funeral service of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga spoke with grace, strength, and deep emotion. Standing before thousands gathered at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology on Sunday, she acknowledged the profound pain of loss while affirming her faith in God’s will.
“I never imagined that this would fall on me — to lead the family and the world in burying Raila,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God.”
Dressed in an elegant black dress and matching hat, Mama Ida began her tribute by thanking God for His goodness even amid grief. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kenyans, regional leaders, and the international community for standing with the family during their mourning.
She reserved special thanks for President William Ruto, commending him for ensuring that Raila received a dignified state send-off — the first of its kind in the Nyanza region. “Mr President, my family is grateful to you for being a man of your word and a man who stands with friends,” she said.
Ida also paid tribute to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom she described as a true and loyal friend of the Odinga family.
Reflecting on their 54 years of marriage, she recounted how she met Raila as a calm young engineer — not knowing he would become a “political engineer” who would dedicate his life to shaping Kenya’s destiny. Despite the turbulence of political life, she described Raila as a loving husband and devoted father.
“I know most of the time Raila was more in political life than in family life, but every time he came home, he gave us what we deserved,” she said.
Concluding her tribute, Mama Ida said though Raila is gone, his spirit and vision for Kenya will live on forever. “He is never coming back, but the spirit lives on.”
