Ida Odinga takes subtle jab at CS Mbadi over controversial remarks on Raila Odinga
Ida Odinga takes subtle jab at CS Mbadi over controversial remarks on Raila Odinga
Late Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga, has appeared to take a swipe at Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi following his controversial remarks suggesting that the country should move on from the former Prime Minister.
Speaking on Friday, May 15, during a visit by Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) students at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, Ida defended Raila’s legacy, insisting that his influence is still alive despite his death seven months ago.
In an emotional address, Ida said Raila’s name continues to dominate national conversations every day, arguing that his spirit still lives on through the people who continue to remember and mention him.
“We still hear his name every day. There’s no particular day I’ll switch on to listen to the news without hearing his name being mentioned,” she said.
Drawing from prominent scholars, Ida referenced William Shakespeare and renowned African scholar John Mbiti to explain why Raila’s memory remains rooted in the country’s history.
She quoted Mbiti’s concept of the ‘living dead’, saying great leaders never truly disappear as long as people continue remembering them.
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“And when he talks of the living dead, I think he’s talking about Raila, talking about Jaramogi, and talking about those great people who have left us physically but whose spirit is here with us,” Ida stated.
“Sometimes politicians get very excited because they think he’s gone and they are free. Nothing. We learn from them. This history that they’ve left behind, they are the living dead,” she added.
Her remarks come just three days after CS Mbadi sparked debate after declaring that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party no longer belongs to one family and that leaders should stop invoking Raila’s name to influence party affairs.
“ODM does not belong to a family. You know we have a party where someone, because she is the sister of a party leader, thinks she can also order us around,” Mbadi said.
“This is post-Raila Odinga’s era. Baba is gone. We should move on from him and focus on ourselves,” he added.
Mbadi’s comments triggered mixed reactions among ODM supporters and leaders, with some interpreting them as a direct attack on Raila’s family and inner circle.
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