Mama Ida Odinga has penned an emotional farewell letter to her late husband, Raila Odinga, recalling their shared dreams, lifelong companionship, and the pain of losing a partner she described as her confidant, supporter, and pillar of strength.
In the tribute shared on Facebook shortly after the State Funeral at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, Ida poured out her grief, expressing how Raila’s sudden death had left an irreplaceable void in her life.
She described her heartbreak as a pain that cannot be soothed, confessing that she often finds herself praying for strength, courage, and peace amid the deep sorrow that has engulfed her family.
“My Dear, my heart is heavy as I write these words, my beloved. The news of your sudden passing feel like an ache that cannot be soothed. It’s a pain so deep. I find myself praying for strength, for courage, and for the peace that surpasses all understanding,” Ida wrote.
Ida reflected on their over five decades of marriage, a journey she said was defined by love, resilience, and unwavering hope.
She revealed that she had always envisioned growing old beside him, sharing quiet sunsets and enjoying the simplicity of life after decades of public service and struggle.
Yet, as she wrote, she has come to accept that life’s plans are ultimately in the hands of a higher power.
“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 fulfilled,” she wrote.
She celebrated Raila as a man of immense courage and humanity, whose principles guided not only their family but the entire nation.
Through his actions and words, she noted, he taught her the value of forgiveness, the virtue of humility, and the strength to face life’s storms with unwavering faith.
“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,” Ida reflected.
Fighter
Ida then described losing Raila as losing a foundation, a pillar that anchored not only her life but also the lives of many Kenyans.
She expressed pride in the man he was, calling him a tireless fighter for justice, democracy, and the nation’s future. She emphasised that his legacy would remain etched in the lives he touched, the ideals he defended, and the unity he sought for Kenya.
“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.”
She also expressed her gratitude to Kenyans and friends from across the world for the overwhelming outpouring of love, condolence messages, and solidarity following Raila’s death.
Ida said the national mourning and the emotional tributes from ordinary citizens, leaders, and global figures had reassured her that Raila’s spirit lives on in every heart he inspired.
“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,” Ida added.
