Ida Odinga arrives at Opoda Farm for first time since Raila’s death
By William Muthama, October 18, 2025Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arrived at the family’s ancestral home at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the first time since the announcement of her husband’s death. She was accompanied by her daughter, Rosemary Odinga.
The arrival was under tight security, with officers stationed around the homestead to ensure safety and maintain crowd control.
Also watch: Bondo residents mourn the death of Raila Odinga at his Opoda home in Siaya County
Supporters and family members had gathered at the edges of the property, paying their respects while keeping a safe distance.
Ida Odinga’s visit comes ahead of Raila’s burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at the family’s ancestral land in Bondo.
The late ODM leader’s home drew very large crowds upon her arrival, with sections of the gathering attempting to forcefully enter the compound, despite the heavy security presence.
This intense atmosphere of emotion and devotion is expected to continue as the family prepares for the final rites.
Siaya Senator James Orengo, speaking earlier, clarified that once the body arrived in Bondo, it would be taken directly to the family home, which would be restricted to family and close relatives only.
Also watch: Grief engulfs Opoda as mourners flock to Raila Odinga’s home
“When the body arrives in Bondo, it will be home not for public viewing, but for the family and close relatives,” Orengo stated.
He also confirmed that organisers have set aside a separate area where members of the public and the local community in Bondo and Siaya can pay their respects.
“There is a place set aside where members of the public and the community in Bondo and Siaya will be able to view the body of the late Raila Odinga,” Orengo added.
Meanwhile, public viewing continues in Kisumu at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, where thousands of mourners have gathered to honour the opposition icon.
Watch: Public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Kisumu
The chopper carrying Odinga’s body landed at the stadium earlier, and security personnel have worked to ensure orderly queues as citizens dressed in orange pay their respects.