Mama Ida Mourns With Country After Raila’s Death

Mama Ida Mourns With Country After Raila’s Death

The nation is still reeling from the loss of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday morning, October 15.

Hours after his death, Mama Ida Odinga finally broke her silence — and her words moved an entire country.

In a brief yet emotional address outside their Karen home, Ida spoke through tears, pleading with Kenyans to remain calm despite the chaos that unfolded at the residence.

“I am very sorry to all Kenyans; we did not expect it would be like this, but it has happened. Please remain calm,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Chaos and Overwhelming Crowds

Soon after Raila’s death was confirmed, hundreds of mourners flooded the Odinga residence. Many came to pay their respects, but the sheer size of the crowd made it difficult to control.

Witnesses described confusion, pushing, and even moments of panic as emotional supporters tried to catch a glimpse of the grieving family.

Security officers and family members struggled to manage the situation.

“People were crying, shouting, and some fainted,” said a witness at the scene. “It was just too emotional.”

Mama Ida, overwhelmed by the scene, personally stepped forward to calm the situation. Yet her calls for peace were barely audible over the chanting crowd.

“Ruto Must Go” Chants Erupt

At one point, the emotional gathering turned political. Loud chants of “Ruto Must Go!” filled the air as mourners expressed their anger and frustration.

The chants are believed to have been directed at President William Ruto, who had visited the residence earlier to console the Odinga family.

It remains unclear whether the President was still present when the chaos erupted.

Despite the tension, Mama Ida urged restraint, reminding supporters that her husband’s legacy stood for unity and peace.

“Baba always believed in peace,” a family aide quoted her saying off-camera. “Let us not let our pain divide us.”

Leaders Flock to Karen

Several top ODM leaders joined the family, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris.

Governor Wanga, who also serves as ODM’s national chairperson, was expected to address the media at around 1 p.m. However, the briefing was postponed due to the commotion.

“We are all too emotional. Let us first calm down and stand with the family,” Wanga later told reporters.

A Nation in Mourning

Raila’s passing sent shockwaves across Kenya and beyond. The ODM party leader died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk in India.

Doctors at a private hospital in Koothattukulam, Kerala, pronounced him dead at 9:52 a.m. Indian time.

According to reports, his daughter Winnie Odinga and close relatives were by his side at the time.

President William Ruto is expected to address the nation later this afternoon regarding Raila’s death and the government’s next steps in mourning the national hero.

Kenya United in Grief

As the sun set over Nairobi, thousands of Kenyans gathered in homes, churches, and streets, lighting candles in Raila’s honor.

In Kisumu, crowds chanted “Baba Forever,” while others sang liberation songs that once defined his long political struggle.

Despite the heartbreak, Mama Ida’s calm and dignified message has become a unifying call for peace.

“He belonged not just to me,” she said softly. “He belonged to all Kenyans.”

ALSO READ: “Ruto Must Go” Chants Erupt at Raila’s Residence in Karen as Nation Mourns

Mama Ida Mourns With Country After Raila’s Death