Oburu Reveals Story Behind Raila’s Scar as Ida Reveals Marriage Surprise

Speaking at the State funeral service at JOOUST today, Oburu Odinga offered mourners a rare, intimate look into his late brother, Raila Odinga’s, early life, complete with anecdotes that explained his distinctive facial marks.

Oburu recalled a moment in their Kisumu childhood when a young Raila fell from a mango tree. “Raila fell from a mango tree while we were playing. I had to carry him on my back. People were laughing at us as I cried after he got injured,” Oburu recalled, revealing the origin of the scar on Raila’s mouth. The mark on his forehead, Oburu added, was sustained years later while the two were in Germany.

Beyond the scars, Oburu described his brother as a courageous and assertive man, even as a child, unafraid to challenge authority. He recalled one instance when Raila told their father to join them in the cotton field because the work was too hard.

Oburu also took time to praise the unwavering support of the late former Premier's family and staff, particularly acknowledging Ida Odinga’s resilience throughout Raila’s political struggles and numerous detentions.

He went on to thank President William Ruto for ensuring a dignified send-off. “It is the President who made arrangements for Raila’s treatment in India. He has truly supported us to give him a befitting send-off,” Oburu said.

Ida Odinga’s Emotional Farewell: A ‘Political Engineer’

When Mama Ida Odinga took the podium, the mood turned solemn as she spoke of acceptance and love after 52 years of marriage.

“I never imagined that this would fall on me—to lead the family and the world in burying Raila. I hoped it would be the other way round. With pain, but without lamentation, I accept the will of God,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.

Ida revealed that when she married Raila, she was surprised to discover she had married a man destined for political upheaval: “When I married him, I thought I was marrying a calm engineer... Little did I know I was marrying a political engineer who would go on to engineer Kenya.”

Despite the hardships, which included years of imprisonment and exile, Ida declared that she would still choose Raila if given another chance. She thanked President Ruto for being a man of his word and standing by the family, and recognised former President Uhuru Kenyatta as a steadfast friend.

Concluding her tribute, Ida honoured her husband’s resilience: “He is never coming back, but his spirit lives on. Raila’s vision and courage will remain with Kenya forever.” Her final words earned a standing ovation from the mourners.