You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, Raila tells Ida as she turns 72
Ida Odinga, wife of Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga is celebrating her 72nd birthday today. Mrs Odinga, who was born in Migori County, is among the most prominent women leaders in the country having been at the forefront in Mr Odinga’s past and present political life.
To mark the day, Mr Odinga has sent a heartwarming message to Mama Ida via Twitter, describing her as the best thing that ever happened to him.
Mr Odinga attached an old black and white photo of the couple on their wedding day.
On each of your birthdays like today, I reflect on how you are by far the best thing that ever happened to me. Your strength, resilience, wisdom, and prayers have brought our family this far. Happy Birthday my dear Ida Betty. pic.twitter.com/afNeXOOn2E
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 24, 2022
There were more message of goodwill to Mama Ida from other leaders in the country. Mama Ida’s birthday comes just two days after Mr Odinga’s Azimio coalition filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging the results of the presidential election.
Happy Birthday Mama wa Taifa Dr. @IdaOdinga.
May our Good Lord grant you many many more years to serve our country Kenya!🙏 pic.twitter.com/35xR8a2fXf— Hon. George Peter Kaluma (@gpdkaluma) August 24, 2022
Happy Birthday Min Piny @IdaOdinga .You have mentored us and held our hands. May The Almighty God guide you. I wish you nothing but happiness, joy and God’s favour on your Birthday . pic.twitter.com/nMrxnmGIqe
— Dr. Caroline Karugu (@CarolineWKarugu) August 24, 2022
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris asked Mama Ida to stay positive even as they seek to overturn the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) decision to declare William Ruto as President-elect.
“Happy birthday Mama. I know you’re probably going through a lot right now, but I want you to know that God is in control and everything will be okay. Continue staying strong and being the support that you’ve always been to Baba. The country is behind you. God bless,” Passaris said.
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In the concluded election, Mama Ida was at the forefront of Mr Odinga’s campaign across the country. Throughout the campaign she termed Mr Odinga as the right candidate to succeed the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In return, Mr Odinga lauded the effort and role that Mama Ida played in his quest for democracy and multipartyism in the country. He said that when the administration of the late President Daniel Arap Moi detained him for several years in the 1980s, Mama Ida took charge and ensured that his family stood.
During the launch of Mr Odinga’s presidential candidature, Mama Ida presented him to the people at the Kasarani Stadium, asking them to take good care of him and that he meant well for the country.