[Mama Ida Odinga during a leaders meeting at Kilimani Primary School. She is said to be behind successes of her husband Raila Odinga. Photo/Nation]
Although he has risen to be one of the most respected Pan- Africanist, Raila Odinga’s journey in national politics has not be an easy one if intrigues surrounding his politics is anything to go by.
Having served several detentions and arbitrary arrests, Odinga, a former Lang’ata MP has been an enigma of African politics close to two decades now.
But Ex-Kitutu East MP Abuya Abuya attributes his comrade in struggles’ fortunes to Ida Odinga, whom he says has played a fundamental role in shaping Odinga’s politics.
“As a politician, you need a family that stands with you. All that time Raila was being harassed by the police, Ida stood firm with her husband and gave us motivation when all was not well,” recalls Abuya.
He adds: “Police could come to the house, intimidate her and even threaten her with arrests but she was never shaken. This even motivated Raila so much. She is the reason why he has risen this far in politics.”
Labeled as ‘seven bearded sisters’ by the then Attorney General Charles Njonjo Abuya served in detention with Odinga in a number of occasions.
And in August, Odinga will be making his fourth stab at presidency after three unsuccessful attempts with Abuya hoping that Ida will one day serve as First Lady.