Ida Odinga urges mourners to keep visiting her
By Paulette Mboga, November 7, 2025Ida Odinga has urged mourners not to forget her following the passing of her husband, the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
She spoke emotionally while thanking those who had travelled from far to pay their last respects to the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader at their Opoda Farm home on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Ida said the love and support shown by mourners had comforted her and given her strength during the difficult period. She expressed deep gratitude to everyone who had stood by the Odinga family, saying their presence meant more than words could express.
“Nimeanza kukaa hapa kwanzia saa tatu ama saa mbili mpaka sasa sijaamka. Kwa hivyo, hiyo nikuonyesha mapenzi ambayo nyinyi mko nayo kwetu, familia ya baba. Nafurahi na kila mtu ambaye amekuja,” Ida said. She urged those who had gathered not to make it their last visit, saying that she valued their company and support.
Also watch: Ida Odinga urges Kenyans to forgive Raila.
Says she feels comforted by visitors’ love
Ida told mourners that their continued visits would help her feel less lonely now that she remains behind as the matriarch of the Odinga family.
“Na leo isikue mara yenu ya mwisho kuja kwangu. Unajua sasa ni mama amebaki, na mama akitembelewa na watoto anaskia vizuri sana. Kwa hivyo msinitupe, msiniwache, mtakua mkinitembelllea nyumbani na naomba mungu awabariki juu najua wengi wenu wanatoka mbali,” she added.
She noted that many of those present were long-time friends and supporters of the family from different parts of the country, particularly Kibera, where Raila Odinga once served as Member of Parliament. Ida said that even though Raila had left elective politics in Kibera, the family remained closely connected to the community.
“Wengi wenu ni wale mimi najua. Kibra nyumbani kwetu, bedroom yetu. Hata kama baba aliwacha kuwa MP ya Kibera, hakuna kinaendelea Kibera ambayo baba hajui. Nasema asante,” she said.
The gathering at Opoda Farm brought together several leaders and dignitaries who came to honour Raila Odinga’s memory and comfort the family. Ida’s message of appreciation and her appeal for continued companionship captured the emotional atmosphere of the day, as she thanked Kenyans for their enduring love and support for her late husband and their family.