Raila’s death: Suzanna Owiyo hails Mama Ida Odinga’s strength
By Nancy Marende, October 18, 2025Kenyan musician Suzanna Owiyo has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga while commending Mama Ida Odinga for her strength and grace during this difficult time.
In a statement on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Owiyo shared that she was honoured to sign the condolence book in memory of the late Raila Odinga, describing him as a towering statesman whose legacy will endure for generations.
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“I was privileged to offer my condolences to Mama Ida Odinga and record a tribute in the condolence book. We will forever cherish the legacy of H.E. Rt Hon. Raila Odinga,” she said.
Further, the celebrated singer praised Mama Ida for her composure and resilience, noting that her calm leadership continues to inspire many.
“Nyar Gem, your strength and grace in this difficult moment are truly inspiring. My thoughts and prayers remain with you and your entire family,” Owiyo added.
Mama Ida Odinga has penned an emotional farewell letter to her late husband, Raila Odinga, recalling their shared dreams, lifelong companionship, and the pain of losing a partner she described as her confidant, supporter, and pillar of strength.
The letter
In the tribute shared on Facebook shortly after the state funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, Ida poured out her grief, expressing how Raila’s sudden death had left an irreplaceable void in her life.
She described her heartbreak as a pain that cannot be soothed, confessing that she often finds herself praying for strength, courage, and peace amid the deep sorrow that has engulfed her family.
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“My dear, my heart is heavy as I write these words, my beloved. The news of your sudden passing feels like an ache that cannot be soothed. It’s a pain so deep. I find myself praying for strength, for courage, and for the peace that surpasses all understanding,” Ida wrote.
Ida reflected on their over five decades of marriage, a journey she said was defined by love, resilience, and unwavering hope.
She revealed that she had always envisioned growing old beside him, sharing quiet sunsets and enjoying the simplicity of life after decades of public service and struggle.
Yet, as she wrote, she has come to accept that life’s plans are ultimately in the hands of a higher power.
“For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband— you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter. I had dreamed of retiring together, of growing old hand in hand, sharing quiet sunsets and dreams fulfilled,” she wrote.
She celebrated Raila as a man of immense courage and humanity, whose principles guided not only their family but the entire nation.
Through his actions and words, she noted, he taught her the value of forgiveness, the virtue of humility, and the strength to face life’s storms with unwavering faith.