Ida Odinga extends gratitude to Raila Odinga’s staff
By Joel Masibo, January 7, 2026Mama Ida Odinga, widow to the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Raila Odinga, has delivered a heartfelt tribute to the former Prime Minister on his 81st birthday, reflecting on his deep devotion to family, country and to the ODM, the party he founded and led with unwavering commitment.
Speaking on the legacy Raila leaves behind on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at her Bondo home, Mama Ida hailed the staff of the late Raila Odinga, outlining how central they were to his political mission and personal identity.
She expressed gratitude to ODM members and staff who stood by Raila throughout his journey, acknowledging their loyalty and service to him both in life and in death.
According to Mama Ida, Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, ran ODM with discipline, fairness and a clear sense of purpose. She noted that his leadership style was anchored on firm principles, balanced authority and inclusivity. Consultations, dialogue and constant reference to the people were at the heart of how he made decisions, a practice that defined his politics and strengthened the party’s grassroots foundation.
Raila’s staff
”Baba also had another love, and that is the love for the ODM. I thank the party and all the staff who served Baba in different capacities, for their dedication to him in life and in death. Baba ran ODM with dedication, with firm and fair hands. Raila ran ODM on the principle of constant consultations and always referring to the people,” she said.
She emphasised that Raila viewed ODM not merely as a political vehicle, but as a platform for service to the nation, built on democratic values and collective responsibility. In her remarks, Mama Ida urged party members to safeguard and nurture ODM as a way of honouring Raila’s legacy.
”It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honour as a matter of service to our country,” she said.
To those that Raila Odinga left in ODM leadership, Mama Ida said: ”I want to end by appealing to those Babas left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country. Let us support the problems of the party by always asking ourselves, what would Baba do under these circumstances? Your guess is as good as mine. I am sure Baba would tell us, let us sit down and talk. I am sure that is my wish, to sit down and talk about our differences.” She added.
Her message comes at a time when ODM is reflecting on its future direction with constant internal wrangles threatening its existence, 20 years after its formation.