Mama Ida Odinga has appealed to Kenyans and political leaders who may have clashed with her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to forgive him.
Speaking emotionally from their Opoda home in Bondo on Thursday, Ida said Raila’s political journey had its share of confrontations, but his heart was always inclined toward peace and reconciliation.
In her heartfelt address, Ida acknowledged that her husband’s long and often turbulent political career may have offended some people. However, she emphasized that Raila never harbored grudges and often reached out to mend relationships with his former rivals.
“Now I’m asking on behalf of my husband, to all those who called him names or thought he was wrong—if he annoyed you, please forgive him,” Ida said. “He was a forgiving man. He always said, ‘Forgive and let’s move on.’ So wherever you are, don’t hold grudges with him. He’s already gone; he’s with his Maker.”
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Her remarks came during a quiet family gathering at Opoda, days after Raila’s burial, where friends and family continued to celebrate his life and legacy.
In a moment of deep reflection, Ida expressed confidence that Raila’s spirit now rests in peace.
“I think his spirit is looking down, asking why we are crying. He’s in a good place. If there’s anyone who deserves peace because of his deeds, it’s Raila,” she added.
Her message struck a chord across the nation, with many Kenyans taking to social media to echo her call for forgiveness and unity.
Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenya’s political history, was remembered not only as a reformist and freedom fighter but also as a man who valued reconciliation and the pursuit of justice.
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