Ida Odinga's 74th birthday turned out eventful late Saturday, August 24, as leaders and high-profile figures showed up at a Nairobi venue to celebrate her.
Among the attendees were Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho, governors Gladys Wanga, Anne Waiguru, Johnson Sakaja, Wavinya Ndeti and Abdulswamad Nassir.
The guests were treated to a band's riveting musical performance adding to deluxe meals and other refreshments.
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In his speech, Raila revealed he had objected to such a deluxe birthday party owing to the prevalent political situation.
He, however, acceded to Ida's want after she argued her case.
"I told her terms are not very good. People will not take so kindly to a very elaborate birthday celebration with Gen Z in town. She told me it was her birthday, and she was getting 74. She was not sure she would have another birthday again. Because of that, I said you have your way," said Raila.
The ODM leader explained that he forewent other important commitments for his wife's special occasion.
He celebrated her for her general personality, which made it easy for him to manoeuvre his political ways.
Raila further hailed his wife for his charitable acts, noting that she had changed many lives.
"She is a very special person generally. Living with a character like me for over 50 years is not easy. I give her a PhD. She is a very tolerant and understanding person. She has helped very many people; many children are going to school because of her sponsorship," said Raila.
In her speech, Ida, an educator by profession, thanked the organisers of the colourful event put up in her honour.
She expressed her closeness with birthdays and their significance, vowing to continue holding them as they mark an important milestone in one's life.
"Birthdays come just but once a year. Had it been that it could be celebrated twice in a year, I could have done it. In the years to come, I will continue with that trend because you never know which is going to be your last one," she said.
Ida got married to Raila in 1974, just 24 years into her birth.
They together were blessed with four children: the late Fidel Odinga, Winnie Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior and Rosemary Odinga.
