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Winnie Odinga gives emotional speech as mum Ida hosts lavish invite-only birthday party
24th August, 2026 09:58 AM
Winnie Odinga has delivered an emotional speech as her mother, Ida Odinga, hosted a lavish invite-only birthday celebration attended by a number of prominent political and public figures.
Speaking during the private celebration on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Winnie reflected on the difficult period her family had recently gone through following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while also encouraging those gathered to appreciate the gift of life even during moments of grief.
“Today we came to celebrate, and what is really profound about life is that even in sad, difficult moments, there is always a reason to celebrate. Celebrate life,” she said.
Winnie said the gathering was therefore not only about marking her mother’s birthday but also about expressing gratitude for life and the strength that had carried the family through the difficult days.
She thanked God for continuing to give them life and for sustaining them during what she described as a difficult period following her father’s death.
“So, Ma, I am here to thank you so much for giving us all and for giving us life, and for holding us up during this difficult period that we have gone through in the past few days when our dad died,” she said.
Her remarks added an emotional dimension to what was otherwise a celebratory occasion, as the family and their close friends gathered to honour Ida while still navigating the loss of Raila.
The birthday celebration brought together a select group of guests, including nominated Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu, Winnie’s brother Raila Junior, nominated Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Luo Benga music icon Prince Indah, among other invited guests.
Message to Charlene
The emotional celebration came weeks after Winnie Odinga shared a light-hearted message congratulating Charlene Ruto on her engagement to Isaya Yunge, using humour to celebrate the special occasion.
Winnie attended Charlene’s Koito ceremony in Kilgoris, Narok County, on Saturday, August 8, 2026, where she jokingly linked the groom to her late father, Raila Odinga.
She referred to Charlene as her sister and said she had attended the ceremony to stand with her on her special day, while also praising her as a happy, blushing bride. Winnie went on to wish Charlene and Isaya blessings as they began their new chapter together.
“I told him that ‘Baba yangu alinituma Tanzania, siku jua Charlene ananifuata nyuma kuninyima bwana!’” Winnie Odinga said.
Her post also captured a light moment involving President William Ruto, after the two were photographed shaking hands at the ceremony. Winnie jokingly described the interaction as an unexpected “hand squeezing competition”, adding to the playful tone of her message.
“All Maneno aside, today I showed up for my sister Charlene,” Winnie Odinga said.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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