Dr Ida Odinga, wife of Opposition leader Raila Odinga, shared the captivating story of how a clever surprise orchestrated by Raila hastened their engagement and eventual marriage.

Narrating the story at the 30th memorial anniversary of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, held on Saturday, January 20, in Kisumu, Ida began, “My boyfriend then, Raila Odinga, lied to me that he was taking me for a ride from Kisumu. He took me for a ride through villages and bushes until we arrived at a well-organised home. I asked him, ‘Where is this?’ and he casually responded, ‘This is my home.'”

Ida expressed her surprise, saying, “I was so shocked. I said, ‘Why didn’t you tell me that you are coming to your home? I would have prepared myself mentally and even dress-wise.’ When we got there, the next thing he told me was to come and meet his father.”

The unexpected encounter took Ida by surprise, and she admitted feeling scared at the prospect of meeting the revered Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

“Who am I to meet the Great Jaramogi Oginga Odinga?” she recalled, adding, “I was damn scared; I almost fainted, but I didn’t. So, I met the old man for the first time. He was such a nice person; he talked nicely, and in the end, he gave me 200 shillings. That was a long time ago. He said, ‘Go buy soda on your way.’ From that day, he made very quick arrangements for us to get married.”

The revelation brought laughter and applause from the audience, showcasing the romantic twist that played a role in Raila and Ida’s enduring love story.

Raila has consistently celebrated his love for Ida, acknowledging the sacrifices she made during his detention and the challenges she faced, including being fired from government positions multiple times to frustrate her.

In a separate event at Catholic University in 2021, Raila recounted his time in detention during President Daniel Moi’s regime, emphasising the strength and sacrifice of Ida in keeping the family together.

“Ida is a very strong person. She has gone through hell herself. For me, they can say I was a troublemaker,” Raila remarked.

The ODM leader highlighted the challenges Ida faced, including being thrown out of her house at Kenya High School with their children for maintaining contact with the detained Raila.

Despite facing adversity, Ida stood by her husband and even went to court to demand his presentation when he was arrested.

Raila praised Ida as a “strong pillar in support,” expressing gratitude for her unwavering commitment and strength throughout their journey.

“Without her, I would not be able to make it. Thank you, darling,” he concluded, affirming the enduring power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.