Ida Betty Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has spoken candidly about the shock surrounding her husband’s passing and the unusual burial instructions he left behind.
In an emotional interview aired on TV47 on January 30, Ida described the family’s disbelief at Raila’s sudden death on October 15, 2025, in India, where he succumbed to cardiac arrest at the age of 80.
“We didn’t expect Raila to die at this time; it came to us as a surprise,” she said, her voice heavy with grief.
Adding to the shock, Ida revealed that Raila had written a will directing that he be buried within 72 hours of his death. The family honored this wish, laying him to rest on October 19, 2025, beside his mother at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo. Ida admitted the timeframe felt unusually short, saying she was unsure when or where Raila had drafted the directive.
Her reflections have stirred quiet speculation among supporters who continue to question the rapid sequence of events following Raila’s hospitalization abroad. The swift burial also defied some Luo cultural traditions, which typically allow extended mourning periods, but the family insisted on respecting his final instructions.
Raila’s death prompted nationwide mourning, a state funeral, and seven days of tribute declared by President William Ruto, who hailed him as a father of democracy. Months later, Ida’s remarks highlight the deep personal toll on the Odinga family and the lingering questions surrounding the veteran politician’s final chapter.
By TV47