As chants of “Baba” rippled through Nyayo Stadium, Mama Ida Odinga, widow of the late Raila Amolo Odinga, stood before thousands of mourners and made a simple but powerful plea — for peace.

“I appeal to everyone — let us mourn Raila in peace,” she said, her voice steady but heavy with emotion. Around her, the crowd fell silent, moved by the grace and composure of the woman who had stood beside Kenya’s most enduring opposition figure for decades.

The State Funeral, held on a clear Friday morning in Nairobi, drew leaders from across the political divide. President William Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and former colleagues of the late Prime Minister joined grieving Kenyans in paying their respects.

Raila Odinga, who died on 15 October 2025 while undergoing treatment in Kerala, India, was 80. His passing marked the end of an era in Kenya’s political life, closing a chapter defined by resilience, reform, and a lifelong pursuit of justice.

In her address, Mama Ida urged mourners to channel their grief into unity — a fitting tribute to the man many called “the father of modern democracy.”

“I know you are all mourning,” she said softly. “But let us keep peace so that peace can prevail here and in the rest of the country.”

Her message came amid heightened emotions following days of public vigils and large gatherings at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, where police maintained a heavy presence to manage the crowds.

For many, her words were a reminder of Raila’s enduring commitment to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation — principles that shaped both his politics and his personal life. “Raila always said peace begins at home,” Ida noted. “He believed it must also prevail in the nation.”

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning period, with flags flying at half-mast. President Ruto also designated 17 October a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the farewell ceremonies.

Across social media, Kenyans shared clips of Ida’s speech, describing her as “a pillar of strength” and “the matriarch of peace.” One post read: “Her words remind us that Raila’s legacy isn’t only political—it’s moral.”

Raila Odinga will be laid to rest in Bondo, Siaya County, beside his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga — another central figure in Kenya’s struggle for independence.

As the nation mourns, Mama Ida’s voice carries the same message her husband preached for decades: that even in sorrow, unity must prevail.