Ida Odinga pours her heart out in an emotional message on Raila’s death
By Kiprono Keileb, October 17, 2025In a deeply emotional message, Ida Odinga, the wife of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, poured out her heart in a moving tribute that she posted on her official Facebook account on Friday, October 17, 2025, that captured both love and loss.
“My Dear, my heart is heavy as I write these words, my beloved. The news of your sudden passing feels like an ache that cannot be soothed. It’s a pain so deep, I find myself praying for strength, for courage, and for the peace that surpasses all understanding,” Ida began.
For more than five decades, she reflected, Raila was not just her husband but also her confidant, best friend, and greatest supporter.
“For over five decades, you weren’t just my husband, you were my partner, my confidant, my greatest supporter. I had dreamed of retiring together, of growing old hand in hand, sharing quiet sunsets and dreams fulfilled. But now, I realise life’s plans are in the hands of a higher power,” she wrote.
Holding on to memories of their life together, Ida described their journey as one built on love, resilience, and hope.
“Still, I hold onto the memories of the life we built full of love, resilience and unwavering hope. You taught me what true courage with humanity looks like. Through your actions and words, you showed us that forgiveness is a virtue worth cultivating, that bravery is rooted in facing storms head-on with unwavering faith,” she said.
Ida said her husband’s strength inspired not just her, but millions of Kenyans who saw in him a symbol of endurance and hope. “Your strength inspired not just me, but the countless Kenyans who looked up to you as a beacon of hope,” she added.
She expressed gratitude for the life they shared and the lessons she drew from his leadership and compassion. “I am eternally grateful to God for the honour and privilege of sharing my life with you. Every moment, every challenge we faced and every victory, these will be treasures I hold close to my heart,” Ida stated.
Father figure
She went on to describe Raila as a father figure to many, saying his love and dedication extended far beyond their home. “You opened not only our home, but also your heart, extending your fatherly love beyond our nuclear family. Your guidance, your sacrifices, your unwavering dedication, they left a legacy that will forever shine brightly in our family and in the fabric of this nation,” she stated
Losing him, she said, felt like losing a pillar of strength. “Your love wrapped us, protected us, and your unwavering commitment to Kenya was evident until your very last breath. I am proud of the man you were; a man who fought tirelessly for justice, for democracy and for the future of this country,” she stated
Ida said the immense outpouring of love from Kenyans and the world comforted her, reminding her that Raila’s legacy lives on. “The outpouring of love and solidarity from across Kenya and the world has overwhelmed me in the most humbling way. It reassures me that your spirit lives on in every heart you touched,” she said.
In her closing words, Ida spoke from the heart, bidding her husband farewell. “Farewell, my Dear. You have run your race with honour, with courage and with unwavering love for Kenya. May the Lord rest your soul in eternal peace. Until we meet again, know that you are forever in my heart,” she concluded