By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 15 October 2026 - Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ida Betty Odinga, on Thursday reflected on the good and bad times she shared with her late husband, Raila Amolo Odinga, urging Kenyans to stand with the ideals the former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader stood for.
Mama Ida was speaking at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, during the first anniversary of the passing of Kenya’s gallant son and second liberation hero.
She said Kenya’s democratic principles can stand only if leaders embrace even their opponents.
“Raila knew how to embrace everyone, and he tirelessly fought to protect freedom of speech,” she said.
She noted that Kenya has had a past in which elections turned chaotic, but said the country must forge a tradition of elections conducted in a free, fair and democratic manner.
“If we don’t have elections, how will we choose our leaders? Do you think we should just nominate them?” she posed.
“When the election is over, let us join hands and forge ahead,” Mama Ida said.
She said Baba Raila Odinga fondly cherished the youth, and urged current leaders to guide young people.
Mama Ida told the young people to also respect their elders.
“Let Baba’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she concluded.
Raila and Mama Ida were blessed with Fidel Odinga (the late first-born son), Rosemary Odinga, third-born Raila Odinga Junior, and last-born Winnie Odinga.
Raila’s sister Ruth Odinga, who is the Kisumu Woman Representative, spoke on behalf of the larger Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family.
“On behalf of the greater Odinga family, I want to thank you all. Jaramogi was steadfast and courageous. His son Raila also fought for social justice. Let us embrace what Raila stood for,” she said.
On the health of her elder brother, Oburu Oginga, she said he is still alive.
Raila Junior, the son of the late prime minister, said that his father taught them many things when he was still alive.
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“Baba taught us many things. In detention, in opposition, in government and even in solace, he carried the hopes of many. Baba fought for democracy when it was treacherous to do so. He believed Kenya was bigger than one person.”
He said his father was a man who turned politics into entertainment.
“We miss the person who used to build peace and broker handshake moments just to ensure peace prevailed. Eighty years of courage, of laughter, of service.”
He concluded that Baba wanted Kenya to move forward and wanted devolution to work.
He assured the public that Raila’s grandchildren are well, as are his own wife, his sisters and Raila’s elder brother, Oburu.
For her part, Winnie wished her uncle Oburu Oginga a happy birthday as he recuperates.
She reflected on her late father and how they would argue about politics and almost every other topic.
On politics, she said Raila had a Kenyan dream in which a person’s input bears fruit.
“Baba had a dream that a person’s surname should not determine one’s future in their own country. But in this country of ours, people toil so much, yet at the end of the month they have nothing left,” she said.
Winnie declared that she would vie for the Nairobi Senatorial seat.
“There is a visitor from Nairobi, Edwin Sifuna, who has declared that he is seeking higher office. I want to be clear that I will vie for the Nairobi Senatorial seat,” Winnie said.
Raila's First Anniversary: Mama Ida Urges Kenyans to Embrace Ideals Raila Stood For
Ida Odinga told attendees at Migwena Grounds that Kenya’s democracy stands only when leaders embrace even their opponents.