Mama Ida Takes First Short Break Since Death of Raila Odinga

Mama Ida Odinga has taken her first break from receiving the steady flow of mourners visiting the Odinga family home in Bondo after the death of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Ida had been receiving visitors at Opoda Farm almost continuously since Raila died on 15 October. In the initial days, her Nairobi home in Karen served as the main gathering point for leaders, supporters, and members of the public. Raila was buried on 19 October in Bondo at a funeral attended by President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and other national figures. 

Although the traditional Luo mourning period formally ended four days after the burial, mourners have continued to travel to the homestead. Visitors have arrived daily at Opoda, many bringing livestock, seedlings, and other condolence gifts. The number of delegations eventually prompted Ida to take a short pause. On 9 November, she travelled to Nairobi for a week-long break. 

“Mama took a break for at least a week before returning towards the end of this week,” said Emily Oginga, her sister-in-law and Raila's step-sister.

During her absence, other family members have taken on the responsibility of receiving mourners. They include Emily and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s widows, Betty and Susan. Delegations have continued to arrive at Kang’o ka Jaramogi, the family’s ancestral home near Raila's grave. 

Recent visitors include Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who led a Ukambani team that donated 100 cows, members of the Nairobi County Assembly, groups from Suna West, and thousands of Gor Mahia supporters paying tribute to their club patron. Family representatives Albert Ojonyo and Elijah Raila have asked mourners to visit Kang’o during Ida’s absence. Elijah noted that Ida has continued to meet a smaller number of visitors while in Nairobi.

She is expected to return to Opoda this weekend, though it is unclear whether she will attend the Orange Democratic Movement’s 20th anniversary events in Mombasa, which run from Thursday to Sunday. President Ruto is scheduled to attend the founders’ dinner.