We must mourn Raila in peace! Mama Ida pleads with Kenyans

Mama Ida Odinga, the spouse of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has pleaded with Kenyans to mourn her husband in peace.

Speaking to the press on Saturday, Mama Ida insisted that this is a solemn moment and that things work better when done in an orderly manner.

“Now, I want to appeal to our people: we must mourn Raila in peace. This is a solemn occasion. It is not a time for confusion. Things work better when we do them calmly and respectfully.

“I want to appeal again. I have attended many international funerals. I was at the funeral of Nelson Mandela, and at the funeral of the President here in Tanzania. They were solemn occasions. It is only through a still voice that we can truly hear and understand one another,” she said.

The former PM’s wife spoke at her Opoda Farm home on Saturday.

She went on to state that the death of Raila is a difficult one, but this is the reality of the day, and Kenyans must face it as it is.

Ida reiterated that she understands how much Raila was loved locally and internationally.

“The situation we find ourselves in today is difficult. None of us knew that the time had come for my dear husband, Raila Amolo Odinga, to leave us. But since that time has come, we must face it as it is.

“I know Raila was loved by his people, his family, his community, his party members, Kenyans, Africa, and even many parts of the world. I say this because I have received condolence messages from many, many corners of the world, and tomorrow I hope I will be able to read some of them to you,” she stated.

Mama Ida Odinga made her solemn return to the family’s home in Opoda Farm, Bondo, on Saturday under tight security.

Her arrival marked the first time she set foot at the homestead since the announcement of her husband’s passing earlier this week, a moment that drew deep emotion from mourners who had already begun gathering in large numbers.

She was accompanied by her daughter, Winnie Odinga, also clad in black, alongside other family members who stood by her as she made her way into the compound.

Plans are underway to transport Raila’s body from the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, where thousands of Kenyans have lined up for public viewing over the course of the day.

Raila's body will be airlifted from Kisumu to his rural home in Bondo, Siaya county, this evening for a night vigil ahead of his burial on Sunday.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the body will not be transported by road as earlier planned.