Mama Ida Odinga has declared that she will remain in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broad-based political arrangement, urging supporters of her late husband, Raila Odinga, to maintain the political position he left them in.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 1, Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said she had no plans to abandon either ODM or the broad-based arrangement.
“Where Baba left me is exactly where I remain. Wherever he left you is where you should remain too. As for me, he left me in the broad-based arrangement and ODM, and I have no intention of going anywhere,” she said.
Mama Ida Sends Message to Raila Odinga’s Supporters
Mama Ida’s remarks appeared to reinforce her commitment to the political direction previously pursued by her late husband.
She called on Raila’s supporters to remain in the political camp where he had left them, signalling her continued support for ODM and the broad-based arrangement.
Her declaration comes amid continued political discussions surrounding ODM’s position and its relationship with the broad-based government arrangement.
Mama Ida Opens Up About Life After Raila Odinga’s Death
Her latest remarks come weeks after she spoke emotionally about the challenges facing the Odinga family following Raila’s death.
During memorial celebrations held on October 15 in Siaya County, Mama Ida revealed that the family was still struggling to come to terms with his absence.
She said she and her children continued to hope that they would hear Raila’s footsteps as he returned home.
The family matriarch also disclosed that another family member died 40 days after the former Prime Minister’s death, making October 2025 an especially difficult period for the family.
“This past year has not been very easy for us. Forty days after Raila passed on, we lost another member of the family.
“These two losses were too much for the family. That is why, if you see that the family is not as excited, you should know that it has been very heavy on our hearts,” she stated.
Leaders Attend Raila Odinga’s Memorial Celebrations in Siaya
The October 15 memorial celebrations brought together political leaders from different sides of Kenya’s political divide.
Those in attendance included Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Other notable attendees included former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, former Chief Justice David Maraga and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua.
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