Focus on national wealth, not personal gain - Mama Ida tells leaders

Mama Ida Odinga has called on the government to put the nation first by investing in education and healthcare, insisting that Kenya’s growth depends on quality education, functional health institutions and leaders committed to the common good.

Speaking during a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida emphasised the need for leaders to serve the nation rather than enrich themselves.

“I appeal that we focus on national wealth instead of personal wealth. I appeal that we work on quality education, education that will lead us to be the people that God made us to be. I appeal that we have our nation in order, correct our health institutions, so that you give us the kind of life that we need to live,” she said.

She urged Kenyans to rise above political divisions and avoid inheriting the enemies of others. She noted that individuals should focus on unity and continuity, embracing the friends of their predecessors while allowing former adversaries to be dealt with according to their own relationships.

“My friend, my husband, because he belongs to a different political party or comes from a different area, I tell you, you would be wrong. Don’t inherit his enemies, because tomorrow you may find that those you thought were his enemies are actually his best friends, and he could be left out. Be careful when handling his friends. Embrace his friends, but let him deal with his enemies the way he chose to,” she said.

She also reflected on Raila’s achievements in engineering and industry, highlighting that while she married him knowing he was a politician, he never abandoned his work as a production engineer.

“If given another chance, I'd marry him again, this time knowing I'm marrying a politician, not just an engineer. He never stopped being a production engineer and went on to start the East Africa sector, a company manufacturing gas cylinders that is thriving. I urge those working in the East Africa sector to uphold his legacy and continue building it into the great industry he intended it to be,” she said.

She reflected on how her late husband had always been troubled by Kenya’s slow progress since independence, noting that the country had once been on par with nations like South Korea and Thailand, which have since achieved rapid growth. Mama Ida stressed that Kenya could achieve similar development through hard work, determination and focus.

“Kenya was at par with countries like South Korea and Thailand. Those countries have moved very fast. We can do the same in Kenya. It can be done with hard work, determination and focus. We can change our country. As I’m talking here, I know we have leaders here; please focus on changing the country. Let’s not seek leadership to enrich ourselves. Let’s not seek leadership to acquire wealth for ourselves, but acquire wealth for Kenya and acquire wealth for our generation to come,” she said.

She went on to thank President William Ruto and the government for according Raila a dignified send-off, saying it was the first time the Nyanza region had witnessed an event of such magnitude.

“Mr President, my family is grateful to you for being a man of your word and a man who stands with friends after committing to do so,” she said.

She also expressed appreciation to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, describing him as a true friend who had consistently stood with the family.

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