Raila’s wife Ida reveals inspiration behind the names of their 4 children
By Luke Oluoch, October 17, 2025Raila Odinga’s spouse, Ida Odinga, has opened up about how they went about naming their four children, born during their 52-year marriage to the late statesman
Speaking while eulogising his husband on Friday, October 17, 2025, Ida further shared advice on how parents should proceed while naming their children.
Fidel castro
“When Fidel was born, I was a bit hesitant with the name given, I asked why Fidel? He said he was a great admirer of Fidel Castro and therefore he gave the name Fidel Castro Odinga,” she stated.
On their second, born Rosemarie Odinga, Ida revealed that the name came about from fusing their respective mothers’ names, Mary (from Raila’s Mother and Rose (her mother’s) for Rosemary.
“Later, we had a second child Rosemary. Here we combined the two names and called the child Rosemary.”
Ida also confirmed that Raila Junior was named after his best friend and cousin, Raila Kembo, with whom Raila shared names.
On Winnie Odinga, their fourth and youngest daughter, Idah, confirmed:
“Winnie was born at a time when Nelson Mandela had come out of Prison after 27 years of detention. I watched as Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela walked out of Prison. I didn’t know the gender of the child I would get, but I said if it is a boy, I would name him Nelson, if it is a daughter, I would name her Winnie, and it how we had her,”
Her remarks come after Winnie Odinga made a powerful tribute to his father with the rendition of a Jowi Jowi chant at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Winnie’s powerful tribute
The soft-spoken daughter parted her tribute on a brave yet sombre note, chanting the Jowi slogan three times, before dignitaries and crowd convened in a packed Nyayo National Stadium.
“The king is dead, but long live the crown, Jowi Jowi Jowi rest in peace Dad,” she concluded.
The soft-spoken daughter parted her tribute on a brave yet sombre note, chanting the Jowi slogan three times, before dignitaries and crowd convened in a packed Nyayo National Stadium.
“The king is dead, but long live the crown, Jowi Jowi Jowi rest in peace dad,” she concluded.
Lessons from Raila’s life
Winnie also reflected on the lessons her father imparted to the nation and his family. She said Raila taught that love for the country is shown through sacrifice, that justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely, and that true leadership is service, not power. She encouraged mourners to honour his legacy by standing firm and continuing his work.