Today, Mama Ida Odinga, wife of opposition leader Raila Odinga, turns 74, a milestone that not only celebrates her life but also her enduring place in Kenya’s political and social history.
For decades, Ida has stood as the quiet but unshakable pillar behind one of the country’s most consequential political figures.
In doing so, she became more than a political spouse; she emerged as a leader in her own right, navigating the turbulence of Kenya’s democratic struggles while balancing the demands of family and public life.
Often described as the First Lady Kenya never had, Ida Odinga has consistently embodied the dignity, grace, and political astuteness befitting State House. And while Raila Odinga never ascended to the presidency despite five attempts, she has long been admired for her stature and influence.
Though she never occupied that role formally, her influence on Kenya’s national discourse is undeniable.
From the days of Raila’s detentions in the 1980s, when she singlehandedly held her family together, to her active championing of women’s rights, education, and democracy, Ida built her own legacy beyond the shadows of her husband.
Her advocacy in education, particularly her push for the empowerment of girls and women, cemented her as a formidable force in the civic space.
She also proved herself politically sharp, often offering counsel that helped shape Raila’s strategies in his decades-long quest for the presidency.
Ida’s journey is also emblematic of resilience. While many political spouses in Kenya retreated from the public spotlight, she chose to step forward.
Her political baptism came during the turbulent 1980s, when Raila was imprisoned for close to a decade without trial under the Moi regime, accused of involvement in the 1982 coup attempt.
During this period, Ida became the de facto head of the Odinga household, raising their children alone while facing surveillance, harassment, and intimidation from state agents.
She often narrates how she was trailed, denied employment opportunities, and socially ostracized simply because of her association with the opposition.
Despite this, she emerged as a pillar of resilience, playing a quiet but critical role in sustaining the second liberation movement, which eventually ushered in multiparty democracy in the 1990s.
In the 2000s and 2010s, as Raila grew into a national opposition leader and later Prime Minister (2008–2013), Ida’s stature expanded. She became a political partner and a voice for women’s empowerment, education, and democracy.
She championed causes such as the empowerment of widows, support for girl-child education, and healthcare reforms, often addressing forums both in Kenya and abroad.
Ida has also been an outspoken critic of patriarchy in politics, urging women to step into leadership positions.
She once stirred national debate when she called for the regulation of churches, arguing that some preachers were exploiting the faithful — a bold stance that highlighted her willingness to confront sensitive issues.
Though she has never held elective office, Ida’s political history is woven into Kenya’s democratic journey.
She is regarded as one of the most influential women in Kenya’s political landscape, described by many as “the First Lady Kenya never had.”
In celebrating her birthday, the nation reflects on the poignant “what ifs” of Kenya’s political story: What if she had been Kenya’s First Lady in title as well as in stature?
