Mama Ida Odinga Fights Back Tears as She Recalls Final Conversation with Raila Before His Death

On the eve of Raila Odinga's first death anniversary, his widow, Mama Ida Odinga opened up about the night before he passed awayIda told Citizen TV that the couple had a long, ordinary conversation the night before his death, with no indication anything was wrongThe former prime minister's daughter Winnie delivered the devastating news to her mother with just three words: 'Dad is gone'Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉

One year after the nation mourned the loss of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, his widow Mama Ida Odinga has broken her silence on the painful details of his final hours, revealing for the first time exactly how she received the news of his death.

Mama Ida Odinga recalled her last conversation with Raila Odinga on the eve of his death. Photo: Raila Odinga/Citizen TV. Source: FacebookSpeaking to Citizen TV on Wednesday, October 14, the day before Kenya officially marks the first anniversary of Raila's passing, Ida described the events leading up to his death with quiet clarity.

Raila had travelled to Kerala, India, for what she emphasised was a routine medical visit, not an emergency admission.

Mama Ida Odinga reveals Raila’s request to their children days before his death: “I was left behind”

Doctors there had reportedly given him a clean bill of health, and nothing in their last conversation hinted at what was to come.

Search option is now available at TUKO! Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner 😉

Ida stated that there was no sign at all that her husband would pass away following the conversation they had on the eve of his passing.

The following morning, a call from Raila's sister, Dr. Akina, set off a chain of frantic attempts to reach those with him in India. Akina asked Ida to contact their other sister, Ruth Ayambo, who was travelling with Raila.

Unable to reach Ruth, Ida turned to his daughter Winnie, who was also in India at the time.

Winnie told her that Raila had collapsed during a morning walk and that medical staff were working to resuscitate him. Ida said she was stunned by the word itself.

Mama Ida recalls how she learnt of hubby Raila Odinga’s death: “Winnie told me we’ve lost battle”

Ten minutes passed. Then Winnie called again.

Kenya marks the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death on October 15, with a celebration of his life planned at the family home in Bondo, Siaya County.

TUKO.co.ke also highlighted facts about Ida Odinga’s account of Raila Odinga’s final days, including his medical check-up in India, his planned Kerala break and his invitation to their children to meet him in Dubai.

Ida said she was the only family member who remained in Nairobi, where she had pressing obligations.

Her account offers a poignant glimpse of the family’s plans for a reunion shortly before Raila’s death.

Lynn-Linzer Kibebe (Human interest editor) Lynn-Linzer Kibebe is a versatile and resolute digital journalist with more than six years of experience in media. She currently works as a human interest editor at TUKO.co.ke, where she focuses on feel-good stories and day-to-day pieces that touch on the human aspect of life driving societal change. She can be reached via email address lynn-linzer.kibebe@tuko.co.ke