Raila Odinga Wife? If you’ve followed Kenyan politics for any length of time, Raila Odinga’s name is impossible to miss. The veteran leader, former Prime Minister, and Azimio la Umoja figurehead has been at the forefront of the country’s democratic struggles for decades. But behind every great leader stands a pillar of strength, and for Raila, that’s his wife, Ida Odinga. Often called “Mama Ida,” she’s more than just Raila Odinga’s wife—she’s a trailblazing educator, businesswoman, and women’s rights advocate whose quiet influence has shaped Kenya’s social fabric.
In this post, we’ll explore the remarkable journey of Raila Odinga’s wife, from her humble beginnings to her enduring legacy. Whether you’re curious about her family life or her bold forays into activism, stick around as we uncover the woman who’s been Raila’s rock for over half a century.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education: The Foundations of a Resilient Spirit
Ida Odinga, born Ida Anyango Oyoo on August 24, 1950, grew up in a family that embodied service and determination. Her mother, Rosa Oyoo, made history as Kenya’s first Black nurse, trained at what was then the King African Rifles Hospital (now Kenyatta National Hospital). Meanwhile, her father was a respected medical doctor in Kisii, raising Ida and her five siblings in an environment where education and hard work were non-negotiable. It’s no wonder Ida turned out to be such a force—those early lessons in resilience stuck with her.
For her secondary education, Ida attended Ogande Girls High School, where she honed her passion for learning. She then headed to the University of Nairobi, earning a Bachelor of Education in Arts in 1974. As a second-year geography student in 1972, she was already making waves, balancing studies with the vibrant campus life that would soon introduce her to her future husband. Ida’s education wasn’t just about books; it was about building a worldview that valued equality and empowerment, themes that would define her later years.
A Serendipitous Meeting: How Ida Became Raila Odinga’s Wife
Picture this: It’s 1972 at the University of Nairobi, and a young Ida crosses paths with the charismatic Raila Odinga. Sparks flew almost immediately, leading to their marriage in 1973—a union that’s now lasted 52 years. What started as a campus romance blossomed into a partnership forged in the fires of Kenya’s turbulent politics. Raila, son of independence hero Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was already dipping his toes into activism, and Ida’s steady presence became his anchor.
Their wedding wasn’t all fairy-tale glamour; it was a promise of shared struggles ahead. As Raila rose through the ranks, facing arrests and exiles under the one-party regime, Ida stood firm. She’s often described their early years as a blend of love, laughter, and quiet defiance—hallmarks of a marriage that has weathered elections, betrayals, and personal losses. Today, at 75, Ida still exudes that same grace, proving that being Raila Odinga’s wife means being a co-pilot in one of Africa’s most storied political journeys.
Building a Family Legacy: The Odingas’ Children and Home Life
Raising a family in the spotlight is no easy feat, but Ida Odinga has done it with poise. Raila and Ida are proud parents to four children: Rosemary, Raila Junior, Jimmy (who tragically passed away in 2018), and Winnie, the youngest born in 1990. Each has carved their own path, from Rosemary’s ventures in business to Winnie’s advocacy work, but Ida’s hand is evident in their grounded values.
Life as a politician’s wife meant navigating highs and lows. During Raila’s detentions, Ida single-handedly raised the kids while teaching at Kenya High School, living on campus to keep things stable. She’s shared stories of bedtime tales interrupted by political rallies, yet her home remained a sanctuary. Even in grief, like after Jimmy’s death, Ida’s strength rallied the family. Now, with grandchildren in the mix, the Odinga household buzzes with the same warmth that Ida has nurtured for decades—a testament to her role as the heart of Raila Odinga’s family.
From Classroom to Boardroom: Ida’s Career and Activism Triumphs
Ida Odinga’s professional life is a masterclass in reinvention. She spent over two decades as a teacher and later headmistress at Kenya High School, mentoring icons like the late Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso. But politics caught up; in the 1980s, she was expelled from her post due to Raila’s opposition to the KANU regime, a blow that tested her resolve.
Undeterred, Ida pivoted to business in 2003, becoming managing director of East African Spectre, a liquefied gas firm—one of the first Kenyan women to lead a major corporation. Her activism shines even brighter. In 1991, she founded the League of Kenyan Women Voters to boost women’s political participation, becoming a symbol of resistance during the one-party era.
She’s championed breast cancer awareness (surviving it herself in 2019), fistula campaigns, and girl-child education, even raising KSh 176.9 million for a library at Ogande Girls. Through her foundation, Ida has empowered countless girls, blending her educator roots with a fierce advocacy spirit.
Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Raila Odinga’s Wife
Ida Odinga isn’t just Raila Odinga’s wife; she’s a beacon of empowerment in her own right. From her pioneering family roots to her trailblazing career and tireless activism, Ida has quietly revolutionized spaces for women in Kenya. As Raila eyes future roles, her legacy reminds us that true power often lies in the unsung stories of support, sacrifice, and service. At 75, Mama Ida continues to inspire—proof that grace and grit can change a nation. If her journey moves you, share this post and let’s celebrate more women like her.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long have Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga been married?
Raila and Ida tied the knot in 1973, making their marriage over 52 years strong as of 2025—a true partnership through thick and thin.
2. What is Ida Odinga’s main profession?
Ida is a renowned educator, former headmistress at Kenya High School, and business leader as the managing director of East African Spectre since 2003.
3. Who are the children of Raila and Ida Odinga?
They have four children: Rosemary, Raila Junior, Jimmy (deceased in 2018), and Winnie, each pursuing impactful paths in business and advocacy.
4. What are some key achievements of Ida Odinga?
Ida founded the League of Kenyan Women Voters in 1991, survived breast cancer, and funded a major library project for girls’ education, among her many contributions to women’s rights.