On the eve of the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, Mama Ida Odinga sat down with Citizen TV Senior Reporter Seth Olale for an emotional exclusive interview. She spoke openly about her grief, their final moments, family life, and life after losing her husband.
On Receiving the News of Raila’s Death
Ida recounted the painful sequence of phone calls on the morning of October 15, 2025.
She had spoken to Raila the evening before. Their conversation was ordinary, with no signs of illness.
“He assured me he was very fine; there was nothing wrong,” she said.
The next morning, she first tried to reach her sister-in-law Ruth. When she could not get through, she called her daughter Winnie, who was with Raila in India. Winnie told her that Raila had collapsed during a morning walk and doctors were trying to resuscitate him.
About ten minutes later, Winnie called again and said:
“Mum, we’ve lost the battle… Dad is gone.”
Ida said that was how she received the news. She described the moment as extremely difficult.
Why She Did Not Travel with Him to India
Ida explained that she believed Raila was only going for a routine medical check-up.
“When he left for India, he was just going for a check-up. There was nothing serious. Had it been that serious, I would have gone with him. I would not have left him alone.”
She noted that he underwent examinations and scans in India and was told he was doing well. He later decided to take a short holiday in Kerala for rest.
On the Loneliness of Grief
A year later, Ida admitted she still struggles to accept that Raila is gone.
“Sometimes, personally, I don’t believe he’s gone,” she said.
She described coming home and still waiting for him, just as she used to when he returned late from work.
“Every time I go home, I keep on hoping that he is going to come back… you wait and wait until late hours, then you realize that he is not coming.”
Her Wish for Him to Retire from Politics
Ida revealed that towards the end of his life, she had urged Raila to step away from active politics so they could finally spend time together.
She recalled the nearly ten years he spent in and out of detention, during which she raised their children largely alone.
“Towards the end, I was telling him that now forget about this politics thing so that we can retire and retire well… we can now settle down and just have fun, go around the world and see the world.”
Family Memories
Ida shared warm recollections of their life together. She spoke about how they met and about family holidays they took twice a year outside Kenya. One trip she especially remembered was to Jamaica — a promise Raila had made when they got married and later fulfilled.
She also described the moment their daughter Winnie returned from India and knelt before her, handing over Raila’s hat, saying:
“Mum, this is what I could bring back to you.”
On the Anniversary and Raila’s Legacy
Ida said the October 15 anniversary is very important to the family. She stressed that Raila belonged to everyone — different political parties, denominations, and communities — and urged people to honour his legacy of peace and unity during the commemorations.
Her Diplomatic Role
She also spoke briefly about her appointment as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She said the role suits her well because of her background in geography and her interest in environmental issues.
The interview was emotional. Ida spoke with dignity but at times became tearful as she remembered her husband, partner, friend and confidant.
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