BONDO, KENYA – In the midst of national grief, a powerful story of compassion has emerged from the home of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Dr. Ida Odinga, his widow, has formally adopted a young girl from Turkana County who is her namesake. The girl had travelled to the family's Kango Ka Jaramogi home in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay her respects following the statesman's death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The gesture came to light on Monday, October 27, 2025, nearly two weeks after Mr. Odinga passed away from a cardiac arrest while receiving medical treatment in Kerala, India, at the age of 80. His death prompted President William Ruto to declare a seven-day period of national mourning, with the former prime minister being accorded a state funeral on October 19.

According to reports, the young Ida made the long journey to Siaya County to personally console Dr. Odinga. Moved by the girl's determination and shared name, Dr. Odinga promised to sponsor her education and welcome her into the family, providing a moment of hope during a period of profound loss for the nation and the Odinga family.

The Odinga family has been receiving a continuous stream of mourners from across Kenya and the world at their Bondo home. Visitors have included political leaders, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens paying tribute to a man widely regarded as a key figure in Kenya's struggle for multi-party democracy. The late leader's brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, is currently the family's spokesperson.

A Nation in Grief

Mr. Odinga's death was confirmed on October 15, 2025, after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at an Ayurvedic hospital where he was recovering from a mild stroke. President Ruto announced that Mr. Odinga had been in and out of hospital for the month preceding his death, describing him as a "giant of democracy" and a "tireless warrior of good governance."

The mourning period was marked by an outpouring of public grief, but was also targeted by a wave of online misinformation. Fact-checking organizations, including AFP, reported the circulation of false claims and AI-generated images purporting to show Mr. Odinga's final moments. This has highlighted the ongoing challenge of disinformation during major national events.

Continuity and Legacy

In the days following the funeral, the Odinga family has focused on cultural rites and ensuring continuity. On Thursday, October 23, Raila Junior, the late leader's son, was installed as the new head of the family in a traditional Luo ceremony known as 'liedo'. The ritual, which involves shaving and the bestowing of a spear and shield, symbolically empowers him to lead and protect the family. Dr. Oburu Oginga clarified that while Raila Junior is the new cultural head, strategic family decisions will still be channeled through him as the elder and spokesperson.

Dr. Ida Odinga's act of adopting her young namesake is seen by observers as a continuation of the family's long-standing commitment to unity and philanthropy. It stands as a personal and powerful symbol of legacy, demonstrating a focus on nurturing the future generation even while mourning a monumental loss.