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Ida Odinga emotionally honours Raila during vetting, credits him with success after 52-year marriage
20th February, 2026 03:05 PM
Mama Ida Odinga has given an emotional tribute honouring her late husband, Raila Odinga, before the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations when she appeared for vetting following her nomination as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Ida credited her recently departed husband with her success, revealing how he supported her dreams throughout their 52-year-old marriage before death struck.
“I want to make special mention of my partner and my friend, my biggest supporter, my recently departed husband Raila Amollo Odinga, with whom I was married for the last 52 years,” Ida said.
According to Ida, Raila was a constant supportive pillar who cheered her on and believed in her dreams, encouraging her every step of the way.
“He always encouraged me and supported me as she pursued my dreams. He was a constant supportive pillar in my life who immensely contributed to who I am today. May his soul rest in peace,” she added.
She also took the committee chaired by Belgut Member of Parliament, Nelson Koech, through her decorated career that had its challenges.
Ida Odinga compares herself to Queen Esther
Ida compared herself to the Biblical Queen Esther, referencing her role as a respected public figure and the spouse of the late Raila Odinga in moments that required a bold voice.
“For most of my life, I have often found myself in peculiar spaces that needed a bold voice: a voice to speak for those unable to speak for themselves, a voice of reason and reconciliation during critical make-or-break moments in our nation and in our continent,” she stated.
“And just like the biblical example of Queen Esther, who did not stay silent but spoke out when it mattered and saved the whole nation, my life and work have been deeply affected by issues that afflict vulnerable populations across the continent.”
Ida’s net worth
She also told the committee that her net worth stands at Ksh500 million, explaining that some assets belong to her individually, while others are family properties in which she holds an interest.
“My net worth, Mr Chairman, this is a very interesting question because there are things that belong to me, Ida, and then there are things that belong to the Odinga family, in which I also have an interest, but my net worth is about Ksh 500 million,” Ida Odinga revealed.
