Ida Odinga Reveals Who Gave Her The News That Raila Had Passed

Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has described how she received the news of her husband’s death. She said it was their daughter Winnie who finally told her, in a phone call that she remembers clearly.

According to Mama Ida, she first tried to reach Ruth and could not. She then called Winnie, who was also in India. Winnie told her that Raila had been taking a walk when he collapsed, and that the medical team was trying to resuscitate him. Winnie added that he was being taken to the ICU, and promised to keep her updated.

About ten minutes later, Winnie called again. Mama Ida said she told her that they had lost the battle, and that Dad was gone. That, she said, is how she learned that her husband had died. She described the moment in simple words, saying it was not easy. The account is her own recollection, and no medical report on his final moments has been shared publicly.

Her words add to what she shared earlier, when she explained why she did not travel with Raila. She said he was going for a check up, that nothing serious was expected, and that doctors had given him a clean bill of health after four days of tests. She said that had it been serious, she would have gone with him.

The interview comes during Mwezi wa Baba, as the nation marks one year since his passing. A memorial service for the late leader is set for tomorrow, October 15, and the Raila Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo was commissioned last week.

https://x.com/citizentvkenya/status/2110414927470969015

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