Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ida Odinga, has said her late husband, Raila Odinga’s, legacy belongs to Kenyans across political parties, religious denominations and communities.
She urged them to set aside their differences as the country prepares to mark the first anniversary of his death.
Speaking at Migwena site in Bondo, Siaya, ahead of Thursday’s memorial, Ida said the late former Prime Minister had left a mark on Kenya’s political landscape through his association with different political parties over the decades.
She said the commemoration should bring together people from across the political divide to celebrate Raila’s life and remember the values he stood for.
“Baba belongs to many people, belongs to many denominations, belongs to people, many parties,” she said.
Ida noted that Raila had been associated with several political parties during his political career, including KANU, Ford-NDP and Ford Kenya.
She said those who accompanied him through the different political phases remained part of his wider legacy, adding that the anniversary should not be restricted to members of any one political party.
“Wherever he was, he left a mark, and the people who were in those parties are still part of him,” she said.
Ida urged Kenyans to use the occasion to reflect on Raila’s commitment to peace and unity rather than dwell on political differences.
“Baba stood for peace, Baba stood for unity, and let’s remember him as that,” she said.
“It is not a day when you remember your enemies. It is not a day when you think of our parties alone, but all the parties.”
She said the family expected visitors from across Kenya, neighbouring communities in Siaya, other African countries and the diaspora, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
Ida assured those planning to attend that they were welcome regardless of their political affiliations, saying the gathering offered an opportunity for Kenyans to come together in remembrance of the former Prime Minister.
She also urged those unable to travel to Bondo to honour Raila’s memory from their homes and counties.
The memorial comes a year after Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, ending a political career that spanned decades and shaped Kenya’s multiparty politics.
Ida recalled the challenges the family faced following his death, saying Raila had expressed a wish to be buried within 72 hours.
She said the short timeframe, coupled with the fact that he died in a remote part of India, made it difficult for the family to understand how they would fulfil his wishes.
“We couldn’t understand how that 72 hours could work out,” she said.
Ida said the first anniversary would provide another opportunity for Kenyans to gather and reflect on Raila’s life and contribution to the country.
She expressed hope that the commemoration would be a fitting tribute to the former Prime Minister.
“I hope that we will give Baba a good Memorial Day,” she said.
