The Odinga legacy: Wife, children and siblings of Raila Odinga

Raila Odinga’s family has always been at the heart of his story, shaping the man many Kenyans know simply as Baba. Beyond politics and public life, the Odinga family has built a legacy of love, resilience, and unity that stretches across generations.

Raila is married to Ida Betty Odinga, born Ida Anyango Oyoo in 1950. The two met in the early 1970s while Raila was teaching at the University of Nairobi, and Ida was working as a teacher.

They married in 1973, beginning a lifelong partnership that has endured the highs and lows of political struggles, detentions, and triumphs. Ida has been a strong figure in her own right, known for her work in education and advocacy for women’s empowerment.

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Raila Odinga’s children

The couple was blessed with four children. Their firstborn son, Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga, was born in 1973. Fidel was named after the Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro, reflecting Raila’s admiration for liberation movements. He passed away in January 2015, a loss that deeply shook the Odinga family. Fidel left behind a wife, Lwam Bekele, and a son named Allay Odinga.

Their daughter Rosemary Odinga was born in 1977. She is an entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable agriculture, particularly known for her work in snail farming. Rosemary has faced health challenges in recent years but continues to be admired for her resilience and commitment to empowering young people and women. She is also a mother of two daughters.

Also watch: Raila dies at the age of 80

Raila Odinga Junior, often called Junior, was born in 1979. He is known for his calm personality and his support for his father’s political journey. Junior is married to Yvonne Wambui Kibukosya, a member of the well-known Kibukosya music family. Together, they have children and are often seen supporting various family and public events.

The lastborn, Winnie Irmgard Odinga, was born in 1990. She is named after Winnie Mandela and has become one of the most outspoken members of the family. Winnie is involved in politics and youth activism, often representing her father in various events. Educated both locally and abroad, she is seen as a new-generation leader in the Odinga lineage.

Political family

Raila Odinga comes from one of Kenya’s most prominent political families. His father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President and a respected freedom fighter. Jaramogi had four wives and seventeen children, among them Raila. His mother, Mary Ajuma Odinga, played a quiet but strong role in raising the family during Kenya’s turbulent early years of independence.

Raila’s siblings have also played notable roles in public life. His elder brother, Oburu Oginga, is a seasoned politician and currently serves in the East African Legislative Assembly. His sister, Ruth Odinga, has also been active in politics, having served as Deputy Governor of Kisumu County.

Another sister, Wenwa Akinyi Odinga, is a respected diplomat and academic. Their sister, Akinyi Walkowa Odinga, who recently earned her PhD from Durban University of Technology in 2025, has also served her country as an ambassador and continues to uphold the family’s commitment to education and service.

Together, the Odingas form one of Kenya’s most influential families, known for their commitment to public service and leadership. Through triumphs and tragedies, they have remained a close-knit unit, often standing by one another in moments of celebration and hardship.

On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Kenya and the Odinga family were thrown into mourning following the death of the former Prime Minister. His passing marked the end of an era for one of the nation’s most iconic leaders.

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