First Daughter Charlene Ruto has paid a condolence visit to the Odinga family in Bondo, Siaya County, following the death of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, Kenya’s longtime opposition leader and statesman.
In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram account, Charlene expressed her sympathy and solidarity with the Odinga family, describing the visit as a moment of reflection and shared grief.
“Today, I condoled with the Odinga family as I visited the grave of the late Hon. Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County. Various mourners were also present, paying their last respects, and we shared in the moment together as I reflected on my encounters with Baba before he passed on,” Charlene wrote.
A Tour of the Odinga Legacy
During her visit, Charlene was received by Raila Junior Odinga, who took her on a tour of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum — a historical site dedicated to preserving the political and cultural legacy of the Odinga family.
“Raila Junior showed me around the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum, where he is digitally enhancing the history of his family, the Luo community, and Kenya at large,” Charlene noted.
She also visited the graves of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President and patriarch of the Odinga family, as well as Fidel Castro Odinga, the late son of Raila Odinga.
Charlene described the experience as deeply moving, emphasizing the Odingas’ contribution to Kenya’s political history and their enduring influence across generations.
Warm Reception from Mama Ida Odinga
Charlene Ruto also paid a courtesy call to Mama Ida Odinga at Opoda Farm, the family’s rural home in Bondo.
She expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and revealed that the two shared memories from their days at Highlands Schools (Moi Girls’ Eldoret), as well as a discussion on how to continue empowering young women.
“Mama Ida Odinga warmly received me at the Opoda Farm, where we reflected on our days at the Highlands Schools and shared lighter moments on how we can continue supporting young women,” Charlene shared.
The meeting symbolized a moment of unity and mutual respect between the families, transcending Kenya’s political divides.
A Message of Condolence and Hope
Concluding her post, Charlene extended her condolences to the Odinga family and prayed for strength and comfort during their mourning period.
“My prayers remain with the Odinga family as they mourn the loss of their loved one. May the soul of the late Hon. Raila Odinga rest in eternal peace,” she wrote.
Her message was widely shared online, drawing praise from Kenyans who commended her gesture as a sign of compassion and statesmanship.
BY Jjudy mutinda
