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Ida Odinga: Quiet strength behind Raila long, storied political career

Mama Ida Odinga during the state funeral service of his husband and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Nyayo National Stadium Nairobi on October 17th 2025.[Collins Oduor, Standard] 

In the story of Kenya’s struggle for democracy and equality, one name quietly, yet powerfully, endures: Ida Odinga.

Before she became known as a leader, advocate and the wife of one of Kenya’s most prominent figures, Raila Odinga, she was Ida Anyango Oyoo, born on August 24, 1950, a young ambitious woman who simply wanted to teach.

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