Ida Odinga Still Waits for Raila to Come Home: "I Don't Believe He's Gone"

A year after losing her husband, Mama Ida Odinga says she still waits for him to come home.

The widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga spoke hours before the first anniversary of his death. She said the loss has not become real to her.

"Since that time, it has not been very easy. It has been difficult because sometimes, personally, I don't believe he's gone," she said.

Raila often came home late. Ida says that habit still tugs at her.

"Every time I go home, I keep on hoping that he's going to come back," she said. "And you wait and wait until then you realise he's not coming."

Ida also spoke about Raila's last trip abroad. She said it was a routine check-up and nothing suggested he was seriously ill.

"Had it been that serious, I would have gone with him," she said. Their daughter, Winnie, travelled with him.

According to Ida, Raila spent four days in hospital. Doctors found nothing wrong. He was due to return home.

Instead, he chose to rest for a few days in Kerala, India, a place popular for health retreats.

Raila had asked his children to join him in Dubai. His son, Raila Junior, was already there with his family. His daughter Rosemary was preparing to travel with hers.

Ida stayed in Nairobi because she had duties to attend to.

Raila died on 15 October 2025, aged 80, while receiving treatment in India.

He was buried four days later, on 19 October, at the family home in Kang'o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, in Siaya County. His grave lies next to that of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first Vice-President.

On Wednesday evening, Ida led the family in lighting candles at Kang'o ka Jaramogi. The event was an International Candle Lighting Ceremony held in Raila's memory.

His family and supporters are marking the first anniversary of a death that left a deep gap in Kenyan politics.