'I am very sorry': Ida Odinga unable to address surging crowd outside Karen home
Inside the Karen compound, the Odinga family appeared visibly moved as they received condolences from an immense number of people.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's wife, Ida, has spoken publicly for the first time as mourners surged at her Karen residence.
Ida expressed regret over the overwhelming crowd, admitting the situation had surpassed expectations.
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“I am very sorry to all Kenyans; we did not expect it would be like this, but it has happened. Please remain calm,” she said.
News of Odinga’s death on Wednesday, October 15, prompted a massive outpouring of grief nationwide.
Supporters, friends, and national leaders, including President William Ruto, visited the late Prime Minister’s home to pay respects. Inside the Karen compound, the Odinga family appeared visibly moved yet composed as they received condolences from the large crowd.
Ida’s words called for calm and unity, urging Kenyans to honour Raila Odinga’s memory with dignity.
The family is expected to release further statements and guidance on commemorating the former Prime Minister’s life and legacy.
Odinga's health challenges
Odinga’s political life was intertwined with health challenges.
As a vocal advocate for multiparty democracy in the early 1990s, he faced repeated arrests and lengthy detention without trial.
By 1991, while imprisoned at Naivasha Prison, his health had deteriorated significantly. Human rights groups reported he battled diabetes, chronic chest and back pains, and persistent stomach issues, worsened by limited access to medicine and poor prison conditions.
His activism exposed him to hazardous elements, including cement dust during political events in 1990, further damaging his health.
In 2010, he underwent crucial neurosurgery at Nairobi Hospital to remove fluid from a subdural hematoma in his brain, a procedure necessary after severe headaches and neurological symptoms.
The successful operation allowed him to continue his political career despite the seriousness of the condition.
COVID-19
In March 2021, amid active campaigning for the 2022 presidential election, Odinga was hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19.
He recovered fully and resumed his duties, demonstrating resilience amid global health challenges.
In October 2025, Raila experienced illness episodes requiring treatment abroad.
His elder brother, Senator Oburu Odinga, reassured the public that Odinga was recuperating in India, denying rumours of life-threatening conditions.
Oburu emphasised these were routine health matters and confirmed his stability and ongoing recovery. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also dismissed false rumours aimed at undermining its credibility.
Throughout, Odinga’s family and party protected his privacy while highlighting his continued dedication to political activism and national leadership.
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