Raila Odinga’s widom, Mama Ida Odinga has called on political leaders to prevent their supporters from turning political disagreements into confrontations, following disruptions at the first anniversary memorial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.

In a statement released on Saturday, October 17, Ida said the heckling and intimidation directed at some invited guests undermined the solemnity of the occasion and showed disrespect to the family and mourners who had gathered to honour the late opposition leader.

She raised concerns over reports that some individuals may have been paid and transported to the venue specifically to disrupt the proceedings.

Ida apologised to those affected, saying the family had invited guests from different political backgrounds because of the relationships Raila had built throughout his public life.

She stressed that the invitations were not intended to signal political allegiance or create divisions, adding that the family had no dispute with those who attended.

“The Odinga family has no quarrel with any of them,” she said, explaining that an invitation to a family event was a gesture of friendship rather than an obligation.

The statement also addressed the broader responsibility of political leaders in managing tensions among their supporters.

Ida urged leaders to exercise restraint and uphold respect for people holding different political views, warning that the family’s mourning should not be exploited to settle political disputes.

“His resting place must never become a battleground for political rivalries. Neither should our family’s grief be turned into an occasion for settling political scores,” she said.

Reflecting on her more than five decades of marriage to Raila, Ida said the former prime minister understood the importance of disagreement in public life while maintaining a commitment to dialogue and reconciliation.

She urged Kenyans seeking to preserve his legacy to embrace these principles and allow people with opposing views to coexist without hostility.

The Odinga family also expressed gratitude to Kenyans and visitors from across Africa and beyond who travelled to Bondo for the commemoration. The anniversary programme included prayers, songs, dances and the sharing of memories in honour of the former prime minister.

Ida acknowledged the Raila Amolo Odinga Memorial National Steering Committee, religious leaders, performers, volunteers and service providers who contributed to organising the events.

She also recognised President William Ruto for his support, particularly in the construction and completion of Raila’s mausoleum.

Raila died in October 2025, ending a decades-long political career that shaped Kenya’s multiparty democracy and national political discourse.

His first death anniversary brought together mourners and leaders from different political camps, although the proceedings were marked by tensions among sections of the crowd.