Ida Odinga installed as honorary canon of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)
Ida Odinga installed as honorary canon of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)
Mama Ida Odinga, spouse of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has officially been confirmed as an honorary canon of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK).
The honor is in recognition of her longstanding service to the church and community.
The confirmation ceremony took place on Sunday at ACK St Peter’s Parish in Bondo, Siaya county, in a celebratory service attended by prominent leaders including her husband Raila Odinga.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Anglican Church leaders from across the South Nyanza region, and a host of political figures were also present.
Ida was first appointed to the honorary position during a special event held on October 20, 2024, in the Diocese of South Nyanza.
Sunday’s ceremony formalised her title as “Translated Canon” of the church—a significant milestone in her spiritual journey and community engagement.
Wanga shared her congratulations, noting the historical significance of the moment:
“We joined Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga, leaders, and congregants for Sunday worship at ACK St. Peter’s Parish in Bondo. The service marked a historic moment as we witnessed the commissioning of Min Piny Mama Ida Odinga as a Translated Canon of the church.”
In the Anglican Church, a Canon is an honorary designation bestowed upon senior clergy or laypeople in recognition of exemplary service to the church.
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Though not a clerical rank, the title often comes with responsibilities within a cathedral or diocese, including advising the bishop and participating in church governance.
Ida was celebrated for her decades of service to the church, especially in supporting community-based outreach, mentorship programs, and faith-based initiatives across the region.
Last year, following her appointment, she took an oath and donned the traditional Canon’s vestments—white, red, and black robes symbolic of her new status in the church.
During the Bondo service, Mama Ida was accompanied by family members, including her daughter Winnie Odinga, an EALA MP. The congregation took time to applaud her for her commitment to God and her unwavering dedication to serving others through faith and leadership.
In brief remarks, Raila thanked the church for honoring his wife and reaffirmed the family’s commitment to Christian values and service to the Kenyan people.
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