Mama Ida Odinga at her Karen home on January 7, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING’A

Mama Ida Odinga has expressed special gratitude to President
William Ruto and the government for the support extended to her
family during the “difficult” period of bereavement after the
death of Raila Odinga.

Ida said the gesture demonstrated goodwill and national unity at a
time of mourning.

Speaking at the family’s Karen home when a delegation of ODM and
UDA leaders paid her a courtesy call, Ida thanked Ruto for what she
described as decisive and compassionate leadership that enabled the
smooth repatriation and burial of her husband.

“I wish to sincerely thank President William Ruto and the entire government that he
mobilised and deployed in service to our family. On that day, Mr
President, we truly saw the hand of friendship,” she said.

Ida noted that the government’s swift action made it possible to
transfer the body from India to Kenya within record time, allowing
burial arrangements to be concluded in accordance with his wishes and
cultural timelines.

“We felt the positive way of government at your direction and we
are grateful.”

She also extended appreciation to India’s Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, for what she termed personal and executive
intervention that ensured the repatriation process was handled with
dignity and respect.

“We are deeply grateful to our friend, the Right Honourable
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, whose personal support
ensured that his friend was accorded the respect he deserved,” she
said.

Ida further acknowledged the solidarity shown by several African
and regional leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta,
former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghanaian President Nana
Akufo-Addo, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and African
Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.

She also paid tribute to the medical team that attended to the
family during the period, describing their service as dedicated and
compassionate.

The remarks were made as political leaders from across the divide
joined the Odinga family to celebrate Raila’s 81st birthday, an
occasion that was marked with reflection, prayer and thanksgiving
amid the recent loss.

Ida further extended appreciation of medical team that attended to
Raila locally and abroad including the hospitals where he was
admitted to.

She also had special mention to Raila’s staff whop served him in
various capacities noting they were dedicated to him both in life and
in death.