Mama Ida Odinga has spoken publicly for the first time following the death of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In her brief address, she expressed regret over the chaos that unfolded at their Karen residence as mourners gathered to pay their respects.
“I am very sorry to all Kenyans; we did not expect it would be like this, but it has happened. Please remain calm,” she noted.
Mama Ida Odinga Breaks Silence After Raila Odinga’s Passing. Photo: Courtesy.
Raila’s death on Wednesday, October 15, sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting an outpouring of grief from citizens and leaders alike.
President William Ruto was among those who visited the Odinga family home in Karen shortly after the news broke.
Emotions ran high at the late Raila Odinga’s Karen home as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects to the former Prime Minister.
Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, and the family appeared overwhelmed by the massive turnout, as crowds filled the compound to offer their condolences.
Several ODM leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, were present.
Wanga, the ODM National Chairperson, was scheduled to address the media around 1 p.m., but the briefing was delayed following mild chaos.
Mama Ida tried to calm the situation, but mourners’ emotions overflowed, forcing her to apologise for the commotion.
At one point, anti-Ruto chants broke out as sections of the crowd voiced their frustrations, though it remains unclear whether the President was still at the residence.
Raila Odinga passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in Kerala, India.
He was pronounced dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time.
