NAIROBI, Kenya – Winnie Odinga delivered an emotional tribute to her mother, Dr Ida Odinga, as the family gathered to celebrate her 76th birthday for the first time without her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Winnie spoke during an invite-only birthday celebration held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, where close family members and friends gathered to honour Ida and celebrate her life. The occasion carried a mixture of joy and grief as the Odinga family marked Ida’s birthday without Raila, who died in October 2025.
In her speech, Winnie acknowledged the difficult emotions surrounding the milestone but urged her family to continue finding reasons to celebrate life despite their loss. She told her mother that the family understood how difficult the occasion was, particularly because another significant date was approaching.
“Mom, I know it’s particularly hard because next week, on the first of September, would be your wedding anniversary. And there’s somebody who should be here with us, and we miss him,” Winnie said.
September 1 would have marked Ida and Raila’s wedding anniversary, adding another emotional layer to the birthday celebrations.
Despite the absence of the former prime minister, Winnie said the family had gathered for an important reason: to celebrate Ida and appreciate the life she had built with them.
Winnie used the occasion to thank her mother for the role she has continued to play in the family, particularly during the difficult period following Raila’s death. She praised Ida for remaining committed to her children and grandchildren and for continuing to provide strength when the family needed it most.
“Mom, I want to thank you so much for giving us life, for holding us up during this hard period that we’ve gone through,” she said.
Winnie also described her mother as someone who gives the family a reason to come together every year on her birthday. She noted that the entire family treats the occasion almost like a public holiday because it is the one day dedicated entirely to celebrating their mother.
According to Winnie, Ida spends the other 365 days caring for and supporting the family, making her birthday an opportunity for everyone to stop and appreciate her.
The EALA MP also reflected on the contrast between grief and celebration, saying the two emotions can exist at the same time.
She acknowledged that the family continues to feel Raila’s absence but said his death should not prevent them from celebrating Ida’s life.
“It’s a sad moment for all of us. But today we came to celebrate,” Winnie said.
She then offered a broader reflection on how families can navigate difficult periods.
“And what’s really profound about that in life is that even during sad moments, difficult moments, there’s still always a reason to celebrate. Celebrate life,” she added.
