A Message of Forgiveness and Unity
Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has made a heartfelt appeal for forgiveness from those who may have felt wronged by her husband. This statement was delivered during an emotional gathering at her Opoda Farm home in Bondo on Thursday evening. Ida used this opportunity to address the public and respond to any insensitive remarks that have been made about Raila, who passed away on October 15, 2025, in India.
“In case my husband annoyed you or did something wrong that you did not like, I beg you to forgive him because he is gone. I ask this on his behalf,” Ida said. Her words reflect a deep sense of compassion and a desire for reconciliation.
During the event, Ida was hosting a delegation led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. She emphasized that forgiveness was part of Raila’s nature, stating that he always chose to move forward rather than dwell on past grievances.
“He is already gone. He is with his Maker, with Christ, with God. He is not here. I think his spirit is looking down and wondering why people are crying. This is a good place. I am sure that if there are people who will go to a good place, it is Raila because of his good deeds here,” she added.
A Call for Political Unity
Ida also urged political leaders to uphold Raila’s vision of unity and work together for the country’s progress. She highlighted the importance of collaboration among different communities, emphasizing that the nation must come together as one.
“I will ask my brother—Raila used to call him ‘my brother Steve’—to carry the country, not just the Kamba community. You have shown that today, not everyone who came here is Kamba. We are one people and must work as one,” Ida said.
She expressed gratitude to Kalonzo Musyoka for his support during the mourning period and for his gesture of delivering 100 head of cattle to Bondo. Ida described Kalonzo as a big brother and praised his actions, which she believed spoke louder than words.
“My big brother, Kalonzo Musyoka, thank you so much. Your actions speak louder than words. I also want to thank you for coming to mourn your brother. I thought my ears deceived me when he said there were 100 cows; I had to call Hon. Orengo to confirm. He showed us his cows,” she said.
A Plea for Peace and Democracy
In addition to her message of forgiveness, Ida called on Kenyans, especially the youth, to shun violence and avoid being used for political conflicts. She encouraged them to see beyond party lines and recognize that political differences should not lead to division.
“In politics, there are no enemies. Don’t think that someone in a different party is your enemy. Don’t make yourselves tools, especially young people, to fight those you perceive to be in the wrong party. You will be hurting each other for nothing because today they are in different parties, tomorrow they may be in the same one,” she said.
“The most important thing is to fight for democracy in our country. I am not a politician; I am a teacher. Let us fight for democracy for all Kenyans.”
Symbolic Gesture of Responsibility
During the visit, Kalonzo Musyoka presented Raila Odinga Jr. with an arrow, bow, and shield in Kenyan flag colours. This symbolic gesture was meant to entrust Raila Jr. with the responsibility of defending and protecting his father’s homestead.