Africa-Press – Kenya. Mama Ida Odinga has expressed special gratitude to President William Ruto and the government for the support extended to her family during the “difficult” period of bereavement after the death of Raila Odinga.
Ida said the gesture demonstrated goodwill and national unity at a time of mourning.
Speaking at the family’s Karen home when a delegation of ODM and UDA leaders paid her a courtesy call, Ida thanked Ruto for what she described as decisive and compassionate leadership that enabled the smooth repatriation and burial of her husband.
“I wish to sincerely thank President William Ruto and the entire government that he mobilised and deployed in service to our family. On that day, Mr President, we truly saw the hand of friendship,” she said.
Ida noted that the government’s swift action made it possible to transfer the body from India to Kenya within record time, allowing burial arrangements to be concluded in accordance with his wishes and cultural timelines.
“We felt the positive way of government at your direction and we are grateful.”
She also extended appreciation to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for what she termed personal and executive intervention that ensured the repatriation process was handled with dignity and respect.
“We are deeply grateful to our friend, the Right Honourable Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, whose personal support ensured that his friend was accorded the respect he deserved,” she said.
Ida further acknowledged the solidarity shown by several African and regional leaders, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.
She also paid tribute to the medical team that attended to the family during the period, describing their service as dedicated and compassionate.
The remarks were made as political leaders from across the divide joined the Odinga family to celebrate Raila’s 81st birthday, an occasion that was marked with reflection, prayer and thanksgiving amid the recent loss.
Ida further extended appreciation of medical team that attended to Raila locally and abroad including the hospitals where he was admitted to.
She also had special mention to Raila’s staff whop served him in various capacities noting they were dedicated to him both in life and in death.
