- Ida Odinga spoke out after Raila's first memorial at Migwena Grounds in Bondo was marred by heckling and intimidation of guests
- Several prominent ODM loyalists, including Junet Mohamed and governors Gladys Wanga and Anyang' Nyong'o, were absent from the commemoration
- Ida addressed the no-shows and expressed deep concern over reports that individuals were paid to disrupt the event
Ida Odinga has spoken following a politically charged first memorial for her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County on Thursday, October 15.
The gathering drew a number of political leaders and supporters, but several of Raila's most prominent loyalists were conspicuously absent.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir all skipped the event. Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, and Wycliffe Oparanya were likewise missing.
The group, allied with President William Ruto's broad-based government, was represented instead by Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who also serves as ODM deputy leader, and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.
Speaking a day after the event, Junet said his absence was deliberate, citing the presence of Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua on the guest list.
He argued that Gachagua did not share Raila's political ideology and that he had no interest in attending an event where Gachagua or his allies were present.
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Ida Odinga's Response
Ida pushed back on the controversy around the absences, making clear that an invitation carried no obligation, adding that it was not on partisan grounds.
"An invitation to a family commemoration is an expression of fellowship, not a summons. Neither attendance nor absence should be interpreted as a disagreement with our family," she said.
She extended gratitude to Kenyans, event organisers, and Ruto, particularly for his support in the construction and completion of Raila's mausoleum.
Her statement, however, took a sharper turn when addressing reports of disorder during the ceremony.
Sections of the crowd had booed, shouted, and intimidated certain guests, and Ida said she was troubled by credible accounts suggesting some individuals had been paid and transported to the venue specifically to cause disruption.
"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, adding that she was particularly disappointed by sections of the political class.
Ida stressed that every invited guest had been welcome and that the family harboured no ill will towards any of them.
She called on political leaders to exercise restraint and ensure their supporters treated others with dignity.
"To every guest who was subjected to such treatment, I offer, on behalf of the Odinga family, our sincere and unreserved apologies," she said.
Drawing on more than fifty years of marriage to a man she described as a champion of dialogue and reconciliation, Ida urged all parties to respect the sanctity of Raila's resting place.
"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.
Source: TUKO.co.ke