NAIROBI, Kenya- EALA MP Winnie Odinga has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of losing her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, revealing that she is still struggling to come to terms with his death nearly eight months later.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, Winnie described the period following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, as the most difficult chapter of her life, saying the loss left a void she has yet to overcome.
“For the past eight months, I’ve gone through the most difficult period of my life. My dad and I were tight. In fact, I tell people I am currently going through my midlife crisis; a very traumatic event happened to me,” Winnie said.
She recalled being with her father in India before his death and the emotional shock of being thrust into the public spotlight shortly afterwards.
“When I was in India, I was quickly rushed home and all of a sudden, I was told to speak about the person I had dedicated my whole life to,” she said.
‘Healing is not linear’
Winnie said she struggled with the expectations placed on her by family members and the public during the mourning period, even as she was processing her own grief.
She noted that being called upon to honour her father publicly before she had the opportunity to fully absorb the loss was among the most difficult experiences of her life.
“Sometimes you are expected to smile while carrying a weight no one can see. To lead before you have had the chance to heal. To be strong when you are still trying to understand what happened,” she said.
“This is my story, not of loss alone, but of resilience. And if it reminds someone that healing is not linear, then sharing it was worth it.”
According to Winnie, grief does not follow a predictable path, and public figures often face pressure to continue serving and leading while privately dealing with personal loss.
Recounting Raila’s final moments
Winnie also reflected on her father’s final hours, dismissing claims that he had been bedridden before his death.
She said Raila remained physically active during his treatment in India and maintained his daily walking routine despite his health challenges.
According to her account, the former Prime Minister completed more laps than usual on the day he died before collapsing at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam.
During his state funeral in October 2025, Winnie similarly revealed that she was with her father when he took his last breath, saying he “died strong” and not in the manner portrayed by some reports on social media.
Beyond mourning her father, Winnie said she has also grappled with preserving Raila’s legacy while navigating life without the man she described as both her parent and closest confidant.
Raila Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80. His death prompted a period of national mourning and tributes from leaders across Kenya, Africa and the international community.
