Bolo Bespoke opens up on why tailoring Ida Odinga’s funeral dress left him emotional
By Steve Ireri, October 17, 2025Bespoke City founder and tailor Bolo Bespoke has shared the deep emotions that engulfed him while creating the elegant dress worn by Mama Ida Odinga during the state funeral of her late husband, Raila Odinga, on Friday, October 17, 2025.
In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Bolo revealed that the process of tailoring the outfit was unlike any other in his decade-long career, describing it as a task heavy with sorrow, prayer, and unanswered questions.
He admitted that each stitch he made was layered with emotion, a reflection of grief and respect for a man whose influence stretched far beyond politics.
“In my 10 years as a Fundi, I have never tailored a dress with this much pain. Every stitch carried a story, a prayer, a tear, a memory. Too much was running through my mind, too many questions left unanswered. Why, God? Why did it have to be Baba?” he wrote.
Bolo went on to share a touching video capturing the intimate moments leading up to the funeral.
The footage shows Mama Ida trying on the outfit while Bolo helps her make final adjustments to the neckline and sleeves.
The video later shows him among those who accompanied her from the house as she prepared to leave for the state funeral.
Modest ensemble
The outfit itself was a refined two-piece ensemble exuding modesty and timeless grace.
It featured a structured peplum blazer paired with a flowing A-line skirt, creating the illusion of a single continuous silhouette.
The blazer incorporated soft shoulder padding and neatly defined lapels, lending it a dignified frame. Its inner seams were finished with a subtle brown satin piping along the facings and hems, adding a quiet contrast to the dominant hue of the fabric.
The choice of a midweight crepe blend gave the outfit both fluidity and form, ensuring a graceful drape that moved elegantly as Mama Ida walked.
National grief
Bolo’s post mirrored the nation’s grief, as Kenya continues to mourn the passing of Raila Odinga, who died in Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, following a cardiac arrest.
Raila’s body was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport a day later amid overwhelming crowds that forced the security team to revise the official reception plans.
The casket, draped in the national flag, was escorted to Nyayo Stadium for public viewing after the venue was moved from Parliament Buildings to accommodate the thousands of mourners who turned up to pay their respects.
The state funeral, held at Nyayo Stadium, was marked by hymns, military honours, and emotional tributes from leaders across the political divide.
President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and regional dignitaries from across East Africa all attended, each paying homage to a man remembered as one of Kenya’s most resilient leaders.
Mama Ida’s presence at the ceremony stood out as one of quiet strength and deep reflection.
She later shared a heartfelt farewell letter to her husband, revealing that she had always dreamed of growing old with him, spending their later years in peace after decades of public service and struggle.
“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.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at his family home in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his late mother, Mary Odhiambo Odinga, on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The final preparations are underway, with thousands expected to attend the burial ceremony.