A Tribute to Mama Ida Odinga’s Resilience
Radio host Maina Kageni has expressed admiration for Mama Ida Odinga, highlighting her incredible strength following the passing of her husband, Raila Odinga.
The radio presenter took to social media to acknowledge and celebrate Mama Ida’s resilience, commending her for maintaining composure and hosting visitors who have come to Bondo to pay their respects.
Raila Odinga was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19, and since then, there has been a steady stream of visitors at his gravesite. This continuous flow of mourners underscores the deep respect and affection the late former prime minister garnered from the community and beyond.
Among those who have visited the gravesite are several notable figures. Former president Uhuru Kenyatta made a visit on Monday, October 20, just a day after the burial. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also paid a visit, offering the family 100 cows as a gesture of support.
The gravesite is now adorned with an overwhelming number of wreaths and flowers, to the point where there is barely any space left. Maina Kageni was particularly moved by Mama Ida’s ability to manage these visits while maintaining her strength and dignity.
The Classic 105 presenter described Ida as an “awesome woman” and emphasized that she deserves some time to herself. He reflected on how, even after nearly four weeks since her husband’s passing, she continues to host visitors daily in Bondo. Her schedule remains packed, and Maina acknowledged the immense challenge she faces.
“Thinking of Mama Ida Odinga today… It’s been about four weeks since her husband was buried, yet she’s strong enough to host visitors in Bondo every day… and yes, her schedule is full. She is such an awesome woman! You can only imagine what it is like to be in her position. Perhaps the visitors need to give her a break for a while… but she keeps going on and keeping on! Let’s keep her in our thoughts and prayers, tafadhali? … indeed, Raila Odinga had a wife,” he wrote.
Maina’s post sparked a wave of responses from his fans, many of whom shared their perspectives on Mama Ida’s situation:
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Tuli Tulitucommented: “Luo culture, she is still in the mourning period, her husband belonged to the world… the tide will eventually settle down then she will start grieving with her children. It’s tough but that’s what it entails to be a spouse of an enigma!”
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Andy Isaacwrote: “Ida Odinga’s strength is admirable, but it also shows how much pressure our society puts on people to ‘stay strong’ even when they’re breaking inside. She’s lost her life partner of decades, yet she has to smile, host visitors, and appear composed for the public. That’s not easy; that’s survival with a brave face. I respect her deeply, but I also wish she’d be allowed some peace and privacy. Strength isn’t about never slowing down; sometimes it’s about knowing when to pause, breathe, and heal quietly.”
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Maureen Mainanoted: “The visitors are filling the void after the heartbreak. It’s like a therapy.”
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Dickens Okuyoadded: “She is not complaining, plus the grief becomes more pronounced if you are left alone at the homestead. However, I support the idea of her not seeing visitors even for two days in a week. During this time, she can see her therapist and have time with her family. Otherwise, her husband belonged to the public and she dealt with that efficiently.”
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Usher Joseph Qaranjaremarked: “Visitors are not coming empty-handed…. And there’s plenty of food there when you visiting Kango Ka Jaramogi.”
These comments reflect a mix of admiration, concern, and understanding for Mama Ida’s journey during this difficult time. While her strength is undeniable, there is a growing sentiment that she may need a moment to herself to process her loss and find solace in private.