Widow of Zimbabwe’s former Prime Minister travels to Kenya to mourn with Ida Odinga
The widow of the late former Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Elizabeth Macheka Tsvangirai, has travelled to Kenya to mourn with Mama Ida Odinga and the people of Kenya following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking from Opoda Farm in Siaya County on Saturday, October 18, 2025, Ida Odinga expressed her gratitude for Elizabeth’s visit, noting the close friendship that existed between Raila Odinga and Morgan Tsvangirai.
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She said the two leaders shared a deep bond and vision for democracy and freedom in Africa, and it was an honour to host Tsvangirai’s widow at her home during this difficult time.
“With me is Mrs Tsvangirai, Her Excellency Elizabeth Macheka Tsvangirai, and she has arrived today from Zimbabwe; she has arrived at Opoda farm to mourn with me. Morgan Tsvangirai and Raila have been close for many years. We are very happy to welcome her in this village,” Ida stated.
Elizabeth Macheka said she felt it was important to be in Kenya to stand with Ida Odinga and the nation as they mourned Raila. She recalled the friendship between their families and described the late Odinga as a great man and a father of democracy whose influence went beyond Kenya.
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Her visit comes as Kenya continues to receive delegations from across Africa, with several regional leaders already in the country to pay their respects. Among them are Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
“I could not think of any place to be today than to be with Mama Ida Odinga. Their family, Baba and my family have been very close. So I mourn with the people of Kenya today, for the loss of a great man, a father of democracy.” Elizabeth stated.
The funeral arrangements have been extensive. Raila’s body was flown into Nairobi earlier in the week, where it lay in state at Parliament Buildings after a Public viewing at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani. A state funeral service was later held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 17, attended by thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across the world.
After the national ceremony, the body was moved to Kisumu and then to Mamboleo Stadium for public viewing, where thousands have gathered to pay their last respects. The final leg of the funeral will take place at his rural home in Bondo, Siaya County, where a private family burial is expected to be held.
