Ida Odinga has opened up about the pain of losing her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying the grief remains fresh even one year after his death.
Speaking during Raila’s first death anniversary at Migwena grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, Ida recalled how she had entrusted Kenyans with her husband as he pursued politics and fought for the interests of the public.
She said she had asked Kenyans to take care of Raila, but his return home in a coffin remains a painful memory.
“Those who were there, or those who heard me, will remember that I told you I was releasing him to you to go and do his politics and protect the people of Kenya. But I also told the crowd, ‘Please take care of him,’” she said.
Ida Says Raila’s Death Still Feels Like Yesterday
The anniversary brought together family members, political leaders, friends and supporters to remember the veteran opposition leader, who died on October 15, 2025.
For Ida, the passage of a year has done little to ease the pain of losing the man she shared her life with for decades.
Her remarks reflected the personal cost of Raila’s long political journey, during which he remained a central figure in Kenya’s public life and attracted a large following across the country.
While many Kenyans remember Raila for his political battles and contribution to national affairs, Ida’s tribute offered a glimpse into the loss experienced by his family.
Ida Recalls Entrusting Raila to Kenyans
In her address, Ida revisited the moment she asked Kenyans to look after her husband as he continued with his political activities.
She said she had released him to the public because he wanted to pursue politics and protect the interests of Kenyans.
Her recollection carried a painful contrast between the request she made and the circumstances in which Raila was eventually brought back to his family.
The remarks underscored the difficult balance between Raila’s public role as a national political figure and his private role as a husband and father.
Kenyans Remember Raila One Year After His Death
Raila’s first death anniversary provided an opportunity for supporters and leaders to reflect on his political legacy and the personal relationships behind his decades in public service.
The gathering in Bondo brought attention not only to his influence in Kenyan politics but also to the grief that his passing left among those closest to him.
For Ida, the anniversary was a deeply personal reminder that, despite the year that had passed, the loss remained painful.
Her tribute added an intimate dimension to the remembrance of a man whose life was closely intertwined with Kenya’s political history.
