NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 30 — Mama Ida Odinga on Friday pledged to carry forward the vision and ideals of her late husband, Raila Amolo Odinga, as she received a special collection of condolence messages and memorabilia from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a ceremony held at the family’s Karen home.
The memorabilia, presented by Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, comprises a bound compendium capturing messages and moments shared by world leaders, diplomats and international institutions following Raila Odinga’s death.
The solemn event was attended by diplomats, senior government officials, scholars and close family members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sing’Oei said the presentation symbolised the gratitude of the Government of Kenya and its Foreign Service for Raila Odinga’s lifetime of service, as well as the solidarity extended to Kenya and the Odinga family by the international community during the period of national mourning.
He noted that at critical moments in Kenya’s history, Raila consistently chose dialogue over discord, placing the long-term good of the nation above personal ambition, both domestically and internationally.
The compendium comprises four volumes. The first contains original tributes and condolence messages from heads of state and government, while the second and third volumes feature reflections from global leaders, diplomats and international institutions.
A fourth volume completes the collection, underscoring the breadth of international admiration for the late statesman.
Archived record
Sing’Oei said the volumes were intended for posterity, announcing that additional sets would be deposited at the Kenya National Archives, the Kenya National Library Service, the Foreign Affairs Library, and the Foreign Affairs Gallery at Uhuru Gardens, allowing the public to access and reflect on Raila Odinga’s legacy.
“The Ministry stands ready to work with you and your family as you develop the idea of a museum in Bondo, in honour and commemoration of the life, legacy and contribution of Raila Odinga,” he said.
He further revealed plans by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Odinga family, to establish an annual conference named after Raila Odinga.
The forum will bring together scholars, diplomats and statesmen from Africa and around the world to discuss democracy, diplomacy and governance.
“In view of Raila Odinga’s immense contribution to democracy and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, we are establishing an annual conference in his name to bring together scholars, statesmen and practitioners of diplomacy and democracy from across the continent and beyond,” Sing’Oei said.
UNEP role
During the ceremony, the PS also congratulated Mama Ida Odinga on her nomination as a United Nations ambassador and representative to the UN offices in Nairobi and UNEP, describing the appointment as fitting given her long record of public service.
Receiving the volumes, Mama Ida expressed gratitude on behalf of the family, saying they were deeply moved by the global outpouring of support.
“It is a great honour to know that people far beyond our immediate circle remembered and honoured Raila,” she said. “Being his wife for 52 years was a privilege. He was a great family man, and now that he is gone, we must carry his legacy and live according to his dreams.”
She also thanked President William Ruto and the government for ensuring that Raila Odinga’s final wishes were respected and for the support extended to the family during a difficult period.
Raila Odinga, who died on October 15 2025 in India aged 80, was one of Kenya’s most iconic political figures.
A freedom fighter, reformist and five-time presidential contender, he stood at the centre of the country’s political life for more than four decades and is remembered by many as “the President Kenya never had.”
Born in January 1945 to Kenya’s first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Raila rose to prominence in the 1980s as a fierce critic of the one-party state, enduring detention without trial for his activism.
He later became a key architect of Kenya’s multiparty democracy and a towering voice for reform across Africa.
