Ida Odinga has finally broken her silence on one of the most talked-about moments from the days surrounding her husband Raila Odinga’s death: why she chose to stay in Kenya rather than personally fly to India to bring his body back.
In an interview with Ramogi TV, the widow of the former opposition leader offered an emotional and candid account of the hours that followed the devastating news that Raila had died in India on 15 October 2025, where he had been undergoing medical treatment.
He collapsed during a morning walk and was later confirmed to have suffered a fatal heart attack.
William Ruto called her within minutes
Ida recounted that President William Ruto was among the first to reach her, phoning almost immediately after word spread of Raila’s passing.
“In just a few minutes (after the death news emerged), President William Ruto called me and said sorry. He said I am sorry and I am coming to the house,” she said.
She described the family home being quickly overwhelmed with visitors, adding that Ruto visited in person and raised the idea of organising a plane to bring Raila home.
“He asked me if I would want to go and I said, yes. I will go and bring him home,” Ida recalled.
Why Ida Odinga decided to stay back
What changed her mind was what she saw unfolding on television. Footage showed Opoda Farm and the surrounding region of Nyamira and Migori filled with mourning Kenyans who had gathered spontaneously to grieve.
“When I saw on TV, the home here (Opoda Farm) was full. When I saw Nyamira and Migori, people were crying and coming out. And I asked myself, if I leave, who will remain and co-ordinate this place?” she said.
With the crowd swelling and grief spreading across the region, Ida felt her presence was more urgently needed at home.
Her daughter Winnie and sister-in-law Ruth Odinga (also known as Adhiambo) were already in India with Raila, so she waited for them.
“I said, because Winnie and Adhiambo were there, let me wait here in Kenya. That is why I stayed back and waited until they arrived the next day in the morning,” she explained.
