The widow of the late Raila Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, has called on Kenyans to embrace peace and unity as the nation mourns her husband. Speaking at the State Funeral service held at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, Ida urged the public to honour Raila’s legacy by keeping calm and ensuring harmony during and after the mourning period.
Addressing thousands of mourners, she reminded the nation that Raila dedicated his life to justice and democracy with the goal of building a peaceful Kenya.
“One thing that I know Raila stood for, and kept on repeating, is that we need peace in our nation,” she said. “We need peace in our homes, and peace will not survive in a chaotic situation. For that reason, I appeal to all of you — let us mourn in peace.”
Mama Ida acknowledged the deep sorrow felt by people across the country but stressed that grief should not lead to unrest.
“I know you are all mourning. You are sad about this,” she said. “But let’s keep peace so that peace can prevail, not only here in the stadium, but also in the rest of the country.”
Her message of calm came as a response to the chaos that erupted at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Thursday, where three people died and several others were injured amid large crowds paying tribute to the late former Prime Minister.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning in India, is being accorded full State Honours in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Kenya’s democracy, reforms, and national unity. He is set to be laid to rest on Sunday at his ancestral home in Bondo, Siaya County.
Ida’s plea for restraint and reflection echoed the Odinga family’s broader message of unity, offering a moment for the nation to come together during a period of profound grief.