Mama Ida and Her Children Pay Emotional Tribute to Raila— Here’s What They Said

On October 17, the family of the late Raila Odinga paid heartfelt tributes to him during his State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

They remembered him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather — a family hero who cherished peace and deeply loved the nation of Kenya.

Here is what they said:

Raila Odiga’s Wife – Ida Odinga

Remembering her husband, she said:

“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 peace that surpasses all understanding.

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 ful[1]filled. But now, I realise life’s plans are in the hands of a higher power. 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. Your strength inspired not just me, but the countless Kenyans who looked up to you as a beacon of hope. 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. 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.

Losing you feels like losing a pillar, a foundation of strength for us all. 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.

Your legacy is etched in the lives you touched, in the ideals you championed. 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.

To all Kenyans and friends near and far, I extend my deepest condolences. May you find comfort during this difficult time, knowing that your love and prayers sustain us. 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.”

Rosemary Odinga’s Tribute

In a heartfelt tribute to her father, Rosemary said:

“You were Baba to millions of people in Kenya but to me you were more than that; you were the loving Dad to me and my siblings; a loving husband to my mother, and a loving granddad to my daughters. You were also my confidant, my adviser and my dear friend. You were a family man of unparalleled integrity. You believed in doing the right thing, even when it was hard or unpopular. You were my evergreen source of wisdom and my best life coach.

You had a way of sharing advice, wisdom or lessons without making them sound like lectures. Baba, you taught me to sharpen my own ideas, to think deeply, to question, to stand for what I believe in even when it’s not easy.

You showed me that true strength lies not intransigent, but in conviction guided by compassion. Through your example, I learned forgiveness; that healing comes not from holding on, but from letting go and choosing peace.

And most beautifully, you taught me to appreciate diversity and to embrace those who see the world differently. You lived your truth with openness and tolerance, reminding us that Kenya’s strength is in her many voices. You are not just my father, Baba. You are my teacher, my compass and my greatest example of grace in the face of struggle.

Your life was a gift and I will forever cherish the memories of the personal moments we shared. Thank you for your guidance support and the un[1]wavering and unconditional love you showed me. I can’t imagine how I will be able to live without you but I know the Almighty will give me the strength and wisdom to do. I will forever honour your legacy. I will carry on your memories and values, and I promise to live a life that would make you proud.

Everything I will, I will do it for you. Your memory will forever be a treasure.”

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.”

Raila Junior Tribute

A son filled with the memories of his Father, stood and said:

“My beloved Mum, My sisters Rosie and Winnie, My extended family, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, My fellow Kenyans, Since I learnt of Dad’s demise, I have agonised over how best to mourn him. My father was many things to many people, but to my siblings and I, he was simply Dad. Dad embodied resilience, courage and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and justice.

He always stood for what he believed was right, sometimes at great family and personal cost. He was my hero — and his legacy lives on in me, in my siblings and in all those whose lives he touched. I am my Dad’s son. And that is why I will continue to fight for the values he believed in — justice, fairness and service to others. I am very alive to the fact that with my brother Fidel gone, I remain the gentleman of the family.

Dad, I want to assure you that I will take care of our family — Mum, Rosie, Winnie — and the larger political family you have left behind. Ero kamano. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for giving me your name and for never heaping the weight of it on me. Thank you for a beautiful childhood, even in the challenging times.

Thank you for always believing in me, encouraging me to speak up, to try new things and for always hearing me out. Thank you for standing by me even when I fell short or outright failed, and for always showing me grace. Thank you for your wisdom, your guidance and your unwavering love — not just for me, but for our entire family: Mama, Fidel, Rosie, Winnie, my wife, my children, my in-laws and my friends.

Thank you for grounding me in the ways and mores of our people while encouraging me to be a modern man. I will deeply miss our family moments, our laughter and our conversations. I will miss watching Arsenal with you (this is our year!). I will miss making new memories with you, but I will forever treasure those we shared. I thank God for you and for everything you have meant to me.

You have run your race with honour. May grace now lead you home, and may the ancestors receive and rest you well. Nind gi kwe, Baba. Aheri.”

Winnie Odinga’s Heartfelt Tribute

A daughter poured out her heart in a touching tribute to her Superhero, saying:

“I don’t know who I’ll miss more, My Dad or my Superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world, because you are my dad. Only three other human beings were as lucky as me. Fidel, Rozzy and Junior. Dad you were a light — steady, unyielding and deeply human.

To the world, you were known by many names, (you also gave almost everyone you met a nickname too), but to me you were simply Dad; a man whose presence froze rooms around the world.

Our home was the vitendawili testing ground, filled with trivia; quizzes that challenged the four of us, in a good way… sometimes. When I learnt that you willed to be buried in 72 hours, I laughed, “Good old Dad! Testing and planning for us beyond the grave!”

I can see you now, laughing in your heaving manner; knowing that your wish will be done. To my fellow mourners, I learned from him that love for country is not just in words, but in sacrifice. That justice must be pursued even when the path is lonely.

That true leadership is service — not power. Millions of you are in despair, but take heart, because he left a plan for you too. He led all of us, he taught us, he carried us, we know what he expects from all of us and we shall rise together in his honour. I watched him at his best, I watched him fall and rise again — each time with grace, forgiveness and hope.

He taught us that defeat is not failure; that conviction is not arrogance and that peace is always greater than pride. At home, he was gentle and humorous — he loved storytelling, music and the simple joy of family.

Ask his grandchildren in the front; I started getting sidelined for holidays. I’d just wake up and see Baba in Kasarani with Saphie or Malindi with Senayi, or insisting the Captain must land the plane with Laiyon at the cockpit. He loved Saphie, Allay, Senayi Laiyon and Jara with all his heart and he sang his love to his grandchildren time and again.

Even in the busiest moments of national duty, he would send me to check on all of you. I now know it was to remind us to stay grounded, for me to teach you how to dream boldly and to always stand firm for what is right.

Today, as we celebrate his life, I choose to remember not only the leader the world knew, but the father I loved with every fibre of my being. The biggest part of me died on the October 15, 2025, but the Spirit of the Lion roars on forever.

The King is dead but long live the crown.”