- Mother Ida Odinga pleaded with those who quarreled with Raila Odinga to forgive her, saying she never held a grudge
- Speaking from Opoda, he admitted that Raila’s political journey may have angered some, but he always sought reconciliation
- In a moment of spiritual reflection, he expressed the belief that Raila’s soul has now rested in peace with his Creator
Mother Ida Odinga has appealed to those who previously disagreed with her late husband, Raila Odingato forgive him if he wronged them.
Source: Twitter
Speaking at her Opoda home on Thursday, November 6, Ida admitted that Raila may have wronged many during his political activities.
Why Ida Odinga asked Raila’s critics to forgive him
He emphasized that Raila never held a grudge and often agreed with his former opponents.
Ida noted that her deceased husband, as a human being, had his own weaknesses, which might have tripped others up badly. As he left, he took it upon himself to apologize on her behalf.
“Now I pray on behalf of my husband, to all those people who called him names and who thought he was wrong, if he made you angry, or if there was something he did that you didn’t like, I ask you to forgive him because he is gone. But I can do that on his behalf. Forgive him because he was easy. He used to forgive people easily. He said, ‘Forgive him, and let’s move on.’ Therefore, you too, wherever you are, do not hold a grudge against him. He is already gone. He is with his creator. He is with Christ. He is with God. He’s not here,” he said.
And with the voice of intercession, Ida expressed confidence that Raila’s soul was in a place of peace, due to the impactful life he lived.
“I think the spirit looks down and says, what are they crying for? This is a good place. And I am sure if there are people who go to a good place because of their past deeds, Raila is one of those people,” he said.
What advice did Ida Odinga give to Kenyan youth?
At the same time, Ida advised the youth to avoid being used for political battles.
He pointed out that politics has no enemies and that only interests collide.
Ida urged the youth to be careful not to be given weapons by politicians who would hold hands and reconcile later after their fierce competition.
“In politics, there are no enemies. Do not think that for some reason he is in another party, he is my enemy. He is not your enemy. And do not fight with people on behalf of them. Especially young people, do not make tools to fight with people who you see as being in the wrong party. You will be wasting your time; you will be killing each other for nothing because today, we are in a different party, tomorrow, they will be in the same party. Therefore, the most important thing is that we fight for democracy in our country. I am not a politician; I only speak. I am a teacher. We are one people, and we must work for one nation.” he said.
Ida spoke when she received the Wiper leader’s message Kalonzo Musyoka who came to mourn Raila.
How Kalonzo Musyoka remembered Raila
The Wiper leader reflected on the loss of a trusted partner and lifelong friend.
He explained that his return to pay his last respects, three weeks after Raila Odinga’s funeral, was in fulfillment of a personal vow, which was prevented by the tight national funeral schedule.
Kalonzo, Raila’s two-time presidential running mate, consoled the bereaved family while recognizing the great influence of the late in Kenya’s political journey.
He narrated a life-threatening incident during protest of 2023 against the rise in the cost of living, where he stood shoulder to shoulder with Raila amid a fierce police search.
In his emotional tribute, Kalonzo praised Raila for his tireless pursuit of justice and his dedication.
He recalled how they led the protesters from the front lines while security forces fired tear gas, water cannons, and live fire.
Several protestors were shot, marking a grim chapter in their collective movement.
Although Raila is not there, Kalonzo said their friendship will last beyond death.
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