Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga lightened the somber mood during the State Funeral of her brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, when she humorously introduced her Ghanaian husband to mourners.
Speaking at the packed event, Ruth sparked laughter when she revealed that it was Raila himself who had introduced her to her Ghanaian spouse.
“You can see my husband, a Ghanaian. I also know how to choose a good husband,” she quipped, sending the crowd into laughter.
She added with a smile, “Many of you know that I don’t have my right-hand man—husband,” before inviting her husband to address the mourners.
Her husband praised the late Raila Odinga as a statesman, patriot, and a selfless leader who devoted his life to the betterment of Kenya. “Raila was not just a politician; he was a man of the people, deeply loved and respected,” he said.
Ruth also introduced her son, Sankara Odinga, who she said had greatly admired his uncle’s courage and resilience. Reflecting on Raila’s legacy, Ruth called for Kenyans to honor him by upholding the values he stood for.
“Let Raila rest; he has suffered a lot. You’ve sacrificed for this country,” she said emotionally, her voice breaking as she recounted their political struggles.
Ruth reminisced about their shared journey during the years of political persecution, noting that she too had been detained and later fled to Uganda and Tanzania before settling in Norway. “I was also a victim of detention. I had to fly to Uganda and Tanzania before heading to Norway, where I hosted my brother,” she recalled.
She also paid tribute to Raila’s loyal aides—the late George Odiwuor, Maurice Ogeta, and his personal doctor—for their unwavering commitment. “Ogeta has suffered since Raila passed away. He served him for 18 years and witnessed his pain,” she added.
