Idah Odinga: Raila's wish to be buried within 72 hours caught us by surprise

The widow of the late Raila Odinga, Mama Idah Odinga, has revealed that his request to be buried within 72 hours of his death caught the family by surprise. 

Idah, who was speaking yesterday during a Raila memorial event in Karen, explained that the family was not privy to the wish being in the will, noting that it was a very short timeline to undertake the burial. 

“We didn’t expect Raila to die at this time. It came to us as a surprise, and with it came another surprise that he had asked to be buried within 72 hours. I don’t know when he wrote this message or whether he wrote it in Kenya or somewhere else,” she said.

While thanking President William Ruto for coming through at the last minute, she told of how the tight schedule sent the family into a spin, rushing to ensure the request was honored. 

“For us to beat that time, we are most grateful to His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, who stood in strongly to make sure that his will was honoured,” she said.

The event was graced by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and attended by family. On behalf of the government, the PS officially handed over bound volumes of condolence messages from Kenya’s international partners. 

“ The Ministry stands with you and your family as you develop the idea of a museum back at home in Bondo in honour and commemoration of the late  Raila, said the PS. 

Idah went on to reminisce on her 52 years of marriage with Raila, terming him a devoted husband and father. 

“Living as Raila’s wife was great fun. We had our good times and bad times, but it was the best thing that happened to me,” she said.

“ I want to thank Kenyans and the international community for the messages of condolence and those that continue to visit our home…we are still receiving visitors and messages and our homes remain open.”  

She reiterated that her family was committed to carrying forward the legacy of Raila. 

The development comes shortly after President Ruto, on Friday, January 23, nominated Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

 His Excellency the President has caused the nomination of Canon Dr Ida Betty Odinga for appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” read a presidential nomination signed by Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei.

If approved by Parliament, Odinga will represent Kenya at the UN body responsible for coordinating the global environmental agenda and supporting countries in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and sustainable development.

As Permanent Representative, her role will include voicing Kenya’s environmental issues, engaging in negotiations on global environmental policies, mobilising international support and partnerships, and safeguarding the country’s interests in multilateral environmental decision-making.

According to the President, the appointment is expected to “amplify Kenya’s voice on environmental issues and further reinforce the country’s longstanding leadership in environmental diplomacy.”

Mama Ida Odinga is an educationist, civic leader, and a long-time advocate for social justice and gender equity.

Beyond public service, she leads several family enterprises, among them East African Spectre, a liquefied gas cylinder manufacturing company.

The nomination comes months after the passing of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and now awaits consideration and approval by Parliament, in line with the constitution.

If approved, Ida Betty Odinga will replace Ababu Namwamba, who was reassigned to Kampala.