Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has praised Ida Odinga after she was appointed as canon at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Bondo.
Speaking during a church service at ACK Bondo on Sunday, June 29, 2025, Raila acknowledged Ida’s deep faith, noting that she is a very staunch Christian.
Reflecting on their life together, he added that having lived with her, he understands just how strongly she feels about her Christianity, even describing her faith as stronger than his own.
Odinga further admitted their occasional disagreements but emphasised his unwavering support for his wife’s spiritual path.
“It is great for me to witness this occasion for Ida; I thank the church and the people. Ida is a very staunch Christian. I lived with Ida, and I know how she feels as a Christian; she has a stronger faith than me,” Raila praised her.
“Sometimes I argue with her, but I give her her way and all the time I stand with her in her faith and Christianity. I am also a Christian. I was confirmed by the archbishop in London.”
Ida’s appointment
Raila’s remarks come after Ida was appointed a canon at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Bondo.
This means that Ida, who was already a canon within the church’s ranks, has been moved from the South Nyanza diocese to St Peter’s.
“This is to inform you that Canon Doctor Ida Betty Odinga has been canonically appointed as a canon of the church,“ the presiding priest announced.
The priest further confirmed that following her elevation, Ida, who was serving as a canon of South Nyanza, had been translated to St Peter’s ACK Church in Bondo.
Ida was made an honorary canon of the Anglican Church of Kenya on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in a church in South Nyanza. The occasion recognised her official devotion to the service of God and the church.
While accepting the role bestowed upon her, Ida pledged to fulfil her role with diligence.
Canonisation
Canonisation typically refers to the practice where a person is declared a saint by the church. It is predominantly practiced in Catholicism, Anglicanism, and the Orthodox churches from the Orient. Following canonisation, an individual, alive or deceased, is officially recognized as a saint.
The process involves declaring a person worthy of public veneration and entering their name in the canon catalogue of saints, or authorised list of that communion’s recognised saints.
