Ida Odinga has apologised to guests who were heckled and intimidated during the first anniversary commemoration of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Odinga family, Ida expressed regret over the disruptions, accusing sections of the political class of conduct that undermined the dignity of the memorial attended by family members, political leaders and thousands of mourners.
She also raised concerns over reports that some individuals may have been paid and transported to the gathering to heckle, intimidate or disrupt invited guests.
“To every guest who was subjected to such treatment, I offer, on behalf of the Odinga family, our sincere and unreserved apologies. You came to stand with us at a deeply personal moment, and you deserved to be received with courtesy, warmth and respect,” she said.
Ida thanked Kenyans, friends from across Africa and beyond who travelled to Bondo to honour Raila, saying their presence brought comfort to the family and demonstrated the enduring bond between the former Prime Minister and the people he served.
She also acknowledged the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee, religious leaders, performers, volunteers and service providers who helped organise the commemorations.
The statement further expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for supporting the family, particularly in the construction and completion of Raila’s mausoleum.
Ida said the family’s decision to invite leaders from across the political divide reflected Raila’s lifelong relationships, which included friendships, disagreements and eventual reconciliation.
She maintained that every invited guest was welcome and that the family had no quarrel with any of them, dismissing suggestions that attendance or absence at the memorial should be interpreted as a political statement.
“An invitation to a family commemoration is an expression of fellowship, not a summons. Neither attendance nor absence should be interpreted as a disagreement with our family,” she said.
Ida expressed disappointment at the conduct of some political leaders and their supporters, urging them to exercise restraint and ensure that political differences do not result in intimidation or disrespect towards others.
She recalled her more than 50 years of marriage to Raila, describing him as a man who believed in freedom of expression, dialogue and reconciliation despite enduring political persecution and disagreements.
She challenged those seeking to honour the former Prime Minister to uphold the same principles, warning against turning his final resting place into a battleground for political rivalries.
“His resting place must never become a battleground for political rivalries. Neither should our family’s grief be turned into an occasion for settling political scores,” she said.
Ida added that Raila’s legacy extended beyond his family and political following, describing him as a figure whose influence reached across Kenya and the African continent.
She called on political leaders and their supporters to respect the Odinga family, invited guests and the sanctity of Raila’s resting place.
The family concluded by thanking thousands of people who attended the memorial peacefully, saying their prayers, songs, stories and acts of kindness would remain an important part of the remembrance.
Ida urged Kenyans to honour Raila by embracing a culture in which political disagreements do not turn people into enemies, but instead leave room for dignity, freedom and mutual respect.
