Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has said she would choose to marry him again if given another chance, describing their union as one built on love, respect, and shared purpose.
Speaking during Raila’s funeral service in Bondo, Siaya County, Mama Ida reflected on their journey together, saying that when they first met more than five decades ago, she never imagined she was marrying a future political icon.
“If I had a chance to marry him, I would marry him again, but this time I would marry him knowing I’m marrying a politician and not just an engineer,” she said.
Ida recalled meeting Raila 54 years ago while studying at the University of Nairobi. At the time, she said, he showed no signs of the political life that would later define his destiny and reshape Kenya’s history.
“When I first met Raila some 54 years ago, I didn’t see his political side — I didn’t see it coming either. He was not a politician in any form,” she said.
“I knew his father was, but he was different.”
She noted that she and her university friends had then sworn to marry calm, professional men rather than those drawn to the intensity of political life.
“We were young, idealistic ladies who swore to marry calm professional men, not those who gave the loudness of politics,” she said.
“We had no time for people doing political science, the lawyers, and so forth — we didn’t know what was coming.”
Her remarks came as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, a leader remembered for his courage, sacrifice, and lifelong pursuit of democracy and justice.
Raila Odinga will be laid to rest at their Kang’o Ka’Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, following a state funeral attended by national and international leaders.
He died in India following a cardiac arrest. He was in the country for treatment.
