Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has said she accepts her husband’s death as the will of God despite the pain of his passing.
Speaking during the burial ceremony at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, on Sunday, Ida said she had never imagined she would be the one to lead the family and the nation in laying Raila to rest.
“I never imagined that this would fall on me — to lead the family and the world in burying Raila. I hoped it would be the other way round,” she said.
With visible emotion, Ida said she had chosen to face the moment with strength and faith.
“With pain, without lamentation, I accept the will of God,” she declared.
She also expressed deep gratitude to President William Ruto and the government for what she described as a dignified and historic send-off for her late husband.
“I want to thank the President of Kenya, William Ruto, and the government for according my husband such a dignified send-off. Indeed, in this part of the world, we have never seen something like this,” she said.
Ida’s remarks came as thousands gathered in Bondo, Siaya County, to bid farewell to the longtime opposition leader and statesman, whose political career spanned decades and shaped Kenya’s democratic journey.
The late Raila Odinga, fondly known as “Baba,” was laid to rest after days of national mourning, tributes, and prayers from across the country and around the world.
The late opposition leader will be laid to rest their family home in Kang'o ka'Jaramogi, in Bondo, where a state funeral is scheduled to take place.
