Laughter as Oburu gives uncanny reason why he married second, younger wife
By David Nthua, October 17, 2025Laughter filled Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, after Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga gave what many called an “uncanny but honest” reason for marrying a second, younger wife.
The brother of the late Raila Odinga confessed his tribute at the state funeral of the late ODM Party Leader, sending mourners into fits of laughter in the middle of an otherwise emotional ceremony.
Also watch: Mourners chant ‘Raila usilale bado mapambano’ at state funeral
Oburu Odinga introduces 2 wives
Oburu, while addressing thousands of mourners and dignitaries gathered to celebrate Raila’s life, introduced both his wives publicly for the first time, explaining that doing so was necessary to maintain peace in his home.
“She is the one who took me from boyhood. She has been and is still nice to me.
“At my age, I don’t want her to scratch me, to massage me, so I brought her helper, Judith Oburu,” Oburu said, sparking loud cheers and laughter across the stadium.
The Senator’s candid remarks were received warmly by the crowd, which included local and foreign leaders, religious figures and members of the Odinga family.
Amid the light moment, Oburu turned emotional as he paid tribute to his late brother, describing him as more than just family.
Also watch: State Funeral of the Late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga
“He was my brother, my friend, my confidant and adviser,” he said, his voice breaking as he remembered their lifelong bond.
Oburu also used the platform to thank the ODM Party for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities following Raila’s death.
“I want to thank my party, ODM, for making me the acting party leader of ODM, the largest party in East and Central Africa,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Ida Odinga honours Raila’s integrity
In the same breath, Mama Ida Odinga, the widow of the late Raila Odinga, later took to the podium to honour her husband’s legacy, describing him as a man of deep integrity and courage.
“He hated dishonesty. He hated greed, the greed that had led to stealing from the public, which led to corruption. Those are the kinds of things that Raila would not have liked to see,” she said.
The light-hearted yet touching moment by Oburu Odinga added warmth to the national farewell, reminding Kenyans that even amid grief, humour can still unite and heal, just as the late Raila Odinga spent his life doing.