BONDO, SIAYA COUNTY – In a moment that blended solemnity with spontaneous humour, Mumias East Member of Parliament, Peter Salasya, made a personal appeal to former First Lady Ida Odinga on Friday, 7 November 2025, at the Odinga family’s Opoda Farm residence. During a visit to offer condolences, the first-term legislator requested Mrs. Odinga’s prayers to find a wife with her foresight and character. Her witty, maternal response—"Nitachunguza vizuri" ("I will investigate/vet properly")—has since captured public attention, illustrating the unique intersection of personal life and political theatre in Kenya.

The exchange occurred as various leaders continue to visit the Bondo home, which has become a focal point for mourning and political pilgrimage in the region. Mr. Salasya, known for his candid and often unconventional public remarks, praised the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's dedication to the nation. Turning to Mrs. Odinga, he lauded her as a pillar of strength who stood by her husband throughout his political career. It was then that he made his plea for divine intervention in his search for a spouse, specifically one "who can see the future" as he believed she had for her husband and the nation.

Political Loyalty and Personal Appeals

While the interaction was lighthearted, its setting is profoundly political. The Odinga family home in Bondo is more than a private residence; it is a political shrine for many, where careers can be shaped and loyalties affirmed. For a youthful MP like Salasya, elected on the Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) ticket—a constituent party of the Azimio la Umoja coalition led by Odinga—the visit was a demonstration of solidarity with the country's foremost political dynasty. Such visits are critical for politicians, especially from the Nyanza and Western regions, to publicly signal their allegiance and respect.

Peter Salasya, born in January 1989, rose to prominence in the 2022 general election with a grassroots campaign that resonated with voters in Mumias East. His political journey, from a humble background to a seat in the National Assembly, has been marked by a populist appeal and a focus on local issues like the revival of Mumias Sugar Company. His direct and sometimes unvarnished communication style has made him a recognizable, if sometimes controversial, figure in national politics.

Ida Odinga: Matriarch and Influencer

Ida Odinga’s role in this exchange is equally significant. As an educator, businesswoman, and activist, she has long been a powerful figure in her own right. Born Ida Anyango Oyoo on August 24, 1950, she was a teacher for over two decades before being forced out of her position due to her husband's political activism during the Moi era. In 1991, she founded the League of Kenya Women Voters to champion female participation in politics. Her leadership at East African Spectre, a major manufacturing firm, further solidified her reputation as a formidable presence in both the business and public spheres.

Often viewed as the steadfast matriarch of one of Kenya's most influential families, Mrs. Odinga's words carry considerable weight. Her response to Salasya, delivered in Kiswahili, was not merely a dismissal but a culturally resonant promise to take his request seriously, albeit in a playful manner. In Kenyan society, the blessing or approval of an elder, particularly one of Mrs. Odinga's stature, is highly valued. Her assurance to "vet properly" was received as both a humorous quip and a symbolic acceptance of the young leader's respect.

The brief interaction at Opoda Farm serves as a microcosm of Kenyan political culture, where personal relationships, respect for elders, and public displays of loyalty are deeply intertwined with the formal structures of governance. As the country navigates its political future, the continued influence of figures like Ida Odinga and the symbolic importance of sites like the Bondo home remain central to the unfolding narrative. The moment, though personal, underscores the enduring power of political dynasties and the intricate ways in which leaders connect with both their peers and the public.