Mama Ida Odinga, wife of ODM party leader Raila Odinga, has stirred mixed reactions after making a dramatic entrance at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County aboard a private helicopter.
The recently installed Canon of Honour for the Parish of St. Peter’s ACK Nyamira in Bondo was at the university to pick up her daughter, Winnie Odinga.
The blue chopper landed on the university grounds mid-morning on Tuesday. Upon arrival, Ida was warmly welcomed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. Shortly after a brief exchange, Winnie walked to the helicopter and boarded before the aircraft took off.
Spectators, caught off guard by the unexpected visit, were cleared from the landing area for safety. Video footage of the moment quickly went viral, drawing varied reactions online.
Some Kenyans praised Mama Ida for her dedication to her children, noting that parental care often continues long after children become adults. Others, however, criticised the move, accusing the Odinga family—given Raila’s role in the broad-based government—of misusing taxpayers’ money.
Winnie, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), had attended the university for the closing ceremony of the Innovate 254 Hackathon hosted by Governor Wanga.
This is not the first time leaders have been seen using private choppers at public functions, a move often perceived as extravagant spending at the expense of taxpayers. Recently, opposition figures, including DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, criticised Kenya Kwanza leaders—among them Deputy President Kithure Kindiki—for similar displays.
“The money being spent on helicopters could fix hospitals and schools,” Gachagua remarked, adding that young people were taking note.
By Kenya