On what would have been the 81st birthday of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, his widow, H.E. Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, issued a moving thank-you note expressing profound gratitude to individuals, institutions, and the people of Kenya for ensuring her husband received a dignified farewell.
In a statement released this afternoon, Dr. Odinga spoke on behalf of the family, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts that enabled the swift repatriation of Baba’s body from India and burial in accordance with his will.
She singled out President William Samoei Ruto for particular praise, thanking him for the “hand of friendship” and the decisive government support that made the arrangements possible in record time. “We saw the hand of friendship. We felt the positive weight of government, at your direction, and we are grateful,” she wrote.
Dr. Odinga also extended appreciation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal and executive interventions that allowed the late Odinga’s remains to leave India promptly, ensuring his final wishes were respected.
The family expressed warm thanks to several African leaders and statesmen who stood with them during the difficult period: former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.
Deep gratitude was also conveyed to the dedicated medical team that cared for Odinga both in Kenya and India, led by Dr. David Oluoch-Olunya, Dr. Martin Wanyoike, Dr. Eva Njenga, Dr. Robin Mogere, and Dr. Abdul Msaddi, along with hospital staff in both countries.
Above all, Dr. Odinga thanked the people of Kenya, whom she described as one of her husband’s greatest loves alongside his family, and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party he led with “dedicated, firm and fair hands” guided by constant consultation and deference to the people.
In a poignant appeal, she urged current ODM leaders to preserve the party in Raila’s honour and to address internal challenges by asking, “What would Baba do under these circumstances?” Her answer: “He would tell us to sit down and talk.” She called on the leadership to set aside differences and engage in sincere dialogue for the sake of the party and the nation.
The family has published a detailed full-page memorial in today’s Daily Nation.
Concluding her message, Dr. Odinga wrote: “We thank you all for joining us in celebrating the life of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga today. God Bless Kenya, God bless the memory of Baba, God bless ODM.”
