Mama Ida Odinga and daughter Rosemary Odinga receive Raila Odinga memorabilia from Foreign Affairs ministry as Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga looks on, January 30, 2026/COURTESY
Kenya’s nominee for Permanent Representative at UNEP Dr Ida Odinga has recounted her shock at Raila’s final burial wishes as the family receives his memorabilia on Friday.
Mama Ida Odinga has opened up on the shock and emotional strain the family faced following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
Ida revealed that his wish to be buried within 72 hours came as a complete surprise to them.
Speaking Friday during the presentation of Raila Odinga memorabilia to his family at their Karen home, Ida said the short burial timeline outlined in Raila’s will caught the family unprepared, forcing them to move with unusual speed in a country where funerals are often organised over weeks.
“I don’t know when he wrote this will of his to be buried at 72 hours, whether he wrote it in Kenya or somewhere else,” Ida said.
“But 72 hours is such a short time. You know Kenyan funerals and how they go. Things had to be rushed very quickly.”
She expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for stepping in at a critical moment to ensure that Raila’s final wishes were respected.
“We are most grateful to the President, His Excellency William Ruto. He came in and stood to ensure his will was honoured, and so we convey our gratitude to him,” she said.
Ida noted that Raila’s death itself was unexpected, leaving the family grappling with unfinished matters and the sudden reality of loss.
“There are still many things that have to be done. I was kind of surprised. We didn’t expect Raila to die at this time. It came to us as a surprise,” she said.
In a lighter but deeply personal reflection, Ida spoke warmly of her 52-year marriage to the veteran opposition leader, drawing smiles from those in attendance.
“We’ve been married for 52 years, and all those years we had our good and bad times,” she said.
“Being Raila’s wife was great fun, and it’s the best time of my life.”
The ceremony marked the formal presentation of Raila’s memorabilia, a symbolic gesture recognising his long public life and far-reaching influence in Kenya and beyond.
Ida said the family continues to receive visitors and condolence messages from across the country and around the world.
“Today, we are still receiving visitors and messages of condolence. I know this will not end soon, and our homes remain open. You are all welcome,” she said.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei who presented it said the memorabilia comprises four volumes documenting Raila Odinga’s legacy.
The first volume is a collection of tributes from across the world, capturing his impact on foreign policy and international relations, including original messages from various heads of state and government.
The second volume consolidates tributes and messages received from institutions, organisations and individuals, reflecting the breadth of his influence beyond Kenya’s borders.
The remaining volumes further document reflections, records and messages that speak to Raila’s role as a statesman, reformist and Pan-African figure whose ideas resonated well beyond national boundaries.