We didn’t expect this! Mama Ida on Raila's death

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Mama Ida Odinga, the spouse to the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga has broken her silence over the death of the ODM leader.

While addressing supporters who had gathered outside their Karen residence, Ida said she did not expect the death of her husband to happen as it did.

She went on to say that while Raila's death was not expected, it has already happen and further called for calm.

“Poleni sana najua wote mmeshtuka hatukutegemea ingekuwa hivi lakini imeshafanyika,” Mama Ida stated before she went back to her house.

This loosely translates to, “I'm very sorry, I know you’re all shocked — we didn’t expect it to happen this way, but it has already happened.”

Ida was flanked by leaders from the ODM party.

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had earlier on visited the former PM’s home to condole with the family.

The ODM leader died on Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest while he was on a morning walk.

He has been in India for about two weeks where he had sought medical attention.

Raila collapsed during a morning walk on Wednesday at 8:30 am, within the premises of the Ayurvedic facility.

It was reported that CPR was administered by the medical team on-site

He was rushed to Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam, where he was pronounced dead around 9.52 am Indian Time. He was aged 80.

This was confirmed by a spokesman for the Ayurvedic eye hospital.

Recently, Raila experienced episodes of ill health, which led to his travel for treatment.

Earlier on, his elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, confirmed that Raila was recuperating in India after a brief period of illness, putting to rest rumors of critical or terminal conditions.

These health episodes were described as normal human ailments, with Oburu emphasising that Raila was stable, recovering well, and would soon return to Kenya.

“I want to tell you that Raila is up and about. Just like any other human being, he was indisposed a little and is now recuperating and resting,” Oburu said.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party also officially dismissed rumors that had been widely circulated, accusing political rivals of spreading misinformation to damage its image and undermine his political influence.

The party’s secretariat and Raila’s family made deliberate efforts to maintain his privacy regarding health matters, noting that although his health is not perfect, it does not impede his activism or involvement in national unity efforts.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Raila Odinga is remembered not just as a statesman but as a symbol of resistance, hope, and transformation. His legacy will continue to shape Kenya’s democratic journey for generations to come.