KISUMU, Kenya — Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga on Saturday brought a brief moment of laughter and warmth during the State Funeral of her late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as she introduced her Ghanaian husband to mourners.
Ruth, who spoke emotionally about Raila’s life and struggles, joked that it was the former Prime Minister who “gave” her the Ghanaian husband.
“You can see my husband, a Ghanaian. I also know how to choose a good husband,” she quipped, sparking laughter among mourners.
She added, “Many of you know that I don’t have my right-hand man—husband,” before inviting him to address the gathering.
Ruth’s husband praised Raila as “a statesman, a patriot, and a good man,” sentiments that drew nods of agreement from the crowd that had gathered to honour the veteran opposition leader.
Ruth also introduced her son, Sankara Odinga, before turning to more personal reflections on Raila’s sacrifices and the toll his political journey took on him.
“Let Raila rest; he has suffered a lot. You’ve sacrificed for this country,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion.
The Kisumu legislator recalled sharing in Raila’s political struggles, including his detention in the 1980s and 1990s.
She revealed that she had fled to Uganda and Tanzania before seeking refuge in Norway, where she hosted Raila during his exile in 1990.
“I was also a victim of detention. I had to fly to Uganda and Tanzania before heading to Norway, where I hosted my brother,” she said.
Ruth went on to commend the unwavering loyalty of Raila’s aides, including his late bodyguards George Odiwuor and Maurice Ogeta, and his long-serving personal doctor.
“Ogeta has suffered since Raila passed away. He served him for 18 years and saw what Raila went through. It was painful,” she said.
Her remarks offered a rare glimpse into the personal side of Raila’s family—one filled with humour, resilience, and deep affection for a man who defined Kenya’s democratic struggle for decades.
