Matiang’i pays homage to Raila with special portrait gift to Ida Odinga
Former Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary and 2027 presidential contender Fred Matiang’i has visited the late Raila Odinga’s home, carrying a special gift for Mama Ida Odinga.
In a post shared on his official X account on Monday, October 27, 2025, the former Cabinet Secretary announced that he, along with leaders from Gusii land, had paid a visit to Mama Ida Odinga following the loss of her husband, the late Raila Odinga.
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“Today I led a delegation of Gusii leaders from Kisii and Nyamira Counties to call on Mama Ida Odinga and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family following the loss of Baba Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” Matiang’i said.
On his part, the visit was centred on a reflection of Raila Odinga’s selfless struggle for democracy in Kenya.
“We reflected on Baba’s selfless struggle for a better country,” Matiang’i said.
The leader further presented a portrait of himself with the late Raila Odinga as a gift to Raila Odinga’s wife, which, according to him, was a representation of the warm relationship the two shared.
“I also took the opportunity to present Mama Ida with a portrait capturing a beautiful memory I shared with Baba, a testament of the warmth, accommodative and unifying spirit that defined his philosophy of leadership,” he added.
Football fans visit Raila
His visit came a day after players and supporters of Gor Mahia visited his grave in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, to pay their final respects to a man they described as a true football enthusiast.
Odinga was a passionate supporter of the English club Arsenal FC, and his love for the Gunners was acknowledged both locally and internationally.
In a tribute, the fan channel Arsenal Fan TV described him as “a true Arsenal supporter… his legacy lives on among the Arsenal family and across Kenya.”
The group, dressed in white and maroon hats, arrived at the mausoleum with flowers and flags, marking their tribute to Raila, who was not only a political figure but also a passionate supporter of Kenyan football.
The players joined fans in laying wreaths at his grave and observed a moment of silence in his honour.
