Mama Ida apologises to guests booed at Raila memorial, faults politicians

• Ida expressed disappointment with sections of the political class over the disruptions, saying the incidents disrespected the Odinga family, Raila's memory and thousands of mourners who attended the commemoration peacefully.

Mama Ida Odinga speaks during the first death anniversary event of her husband, the late Raila Odinga on October 15, 2026. Photo/Courtesy

Mama Ida Odinga has apologised to guests who were booed and intimidated during the first anniversary memorial of her husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, alleging that some individuals may have been paid and transported to the gathering to disrupt the event.

In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, Ida expressed disappointment with sections of the political class over the disruptions, saying the incidents disrespected the Odinga family, Raila's memory and thousands of mourners who attended the commemoration peacefully.

“Reports that individuals may have been paid and transported to the gathering for the purpose of heckling, intimidating or disrupting invited guests are deeply disturbing,” she said.

Ida offered an unreserved apology to guests who were subjected to the hostility, saying they had attended the memorial to stand with the family during a deeply personal moment and deserved to be received with courtesy and respect.

She maintained that all guests invited to the commemoration were welcome, regardless of their political affiliations, noting that the invitations reflected Raila's long-standing relationships with people across the political divide.

“The Odinga family has no quarrel with any of them,” she said, adding that an invitation to a family commemoration was an expression of fellowship and that neither attendance nor absence should be interpreted as disagreement with the family.

Ida also urged political leaders to exercise restraint and ensure their supporters respected other people, even where political differences existed.

“Political leaders have a special responsibility to exercise restraint, uphold order and ensure that their supporters respect the dignity of others, even where political differences exist,” she stated.

She warned against turning Raila's resting place into a battleground for political rivalries, saying the family's grief should not be used as an opportunity to settle political scores.

“His resting place must never become a battleground for political rivalries. Neither should our family's grief be turned into an occasion for settling political scores,” she said.

Ida recalled her more than 50 years of marriage to Raila, describing him as a man who believed in the freedom to disagree, challenged authority and endured political persecution while recognising the importance of dialogue and reconciliation.

She said those seeking to honour the former prime minister should uphold the values he stood for, including the ability of people with differing views to sit together without becoming enemies.

The Odinga family also thanked Kenyans and visitors from across Africa and beyond who travelled to Bondo to commemorate Raila's life through prayers, songs, dances and shared memories.

Ida extended her appreciation to the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee, religious leaders, performers, volunteers and service providers who helped organise the anniversary events.

She also thanked President William Ruto for supporting the family, particularly in the construction and completion of Raila's mausoleum.

Raila died in October 2025, prompting tributes from political leaders and citizens across Kenya and beyond.

His first death anniversary brought together people from different political backgrounds to honour his contribution to the country's political and democratic history.