During an emotional tribute at Raila Odinga’s State Funeral at Nyayo National Stadium on October 17, 2025, Ida Odinga, widow of the late former Prime Minister, reflected on her family’s 52-year journey of love, struggle, and legacy. In her heartfelt speech, she shared for the first time the meaning and inspiration behind the names of her four children — Fidel, Rosemary, Raila Junior, and Winnie — revealing that each carries deep personal and historical significance.
Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga
Fidel, born in 1973, was Raila and Ida’s firstborn son. He passed away suddenly in January 2015, aged 41. Ida recalled that his name was chosen by Raila in admiration of the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who symbolized resilience and anti-imperialist defiance.
“When Fidel was born, I was hesitant about the name,” Ida said. “But Raila insisted he admired Fidel Castro, and so we named our son Fidel Castro Odinga.”
Fidel’s sudden death remains a painful memory for the Odinga family. He left behind his widow Lwam Getachew Bekele and their son Allay Odinga. His legacy as a unifying figure in the Odinga family lives on.
Rosemary Odinga
Rosemary, born in 1977, is the couple’s second child. Ida explained that her name combines the names of both their mothers — Rose (Ida’s mother) and Mary (Raila’s mother) — forming “Rosemary.”
“Rose is my mother’s name, and Mary is the name of his mother. We combined the two names and called our daughter Rosemary,” Ida said, emphasizing the sentimental connection.
Rosemary Odinga is a snail farmer, entrepreneur, and political aspirant. In 2017, she showed interest in vying for the Kibera parliamentary seat, following in her father’s political footsteps. However, after suffering a brain aneurysm and loss of eyesight, she took a step back from politics.
She underwent Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala, India, which helped restore her sight in 2022. Rosemary is now a proud mother of two daughters and remains active in youth empowerment and agribusiness.
Raila Oginga Odinga (Raila Junior)
Raila Junior, born in 1979, is the third-born in the Odinga family. Contrary to popular belief, Ida clarified that he was not named after his father but after Raila’s best friend and cousin, Raila Kimbo.
“Many assume he was named after his father,” Ida revealed, “but in truth, he was named after Raila Kimbo, his father’s cousin and close friend.”
Raila Junior is a businessman and media executive, married to Yvonne Wambui Kibukosya, the daughter of legendary Kenyan musicians Suzanna Owiyo and John Kibukosya. The couple has a son, and Junior has spoken candidly about their struggles with fertility and the joy of eventual parenthood.
Unlike his siblings, Raila Junior has largely avoided frontline politics, choosing instead to focus on entrepreneurship, creative media, and family business ventures.
Winnie Irmgard Odinga
The last-born, Winnie Irmgard Odinga, was born on March 6, 1990, exactly 11 years after Raila Junior. Ida shared that her daughter was named after the South African anti-apartheid icon Winnie Mandela, wife of Nelson Mandela.
Ida recalled vividly: “When I went into labor, I was watching television and saw Nelson Mandela walking out of prison after 27 years, hand in hand with Winnie Mandela. That image moved me deeply, and I decided that if I had a girl, I would name her Winnie.”
Winnie grew up to embody the strength her name symbolizes. She is now a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representing Kenya. She has also played key roles in her father’s political campaigns and champions digital transformation, technology access, and youth inclusion in governance.
A Legacy in Names
Through her tribute, Ida Odinga highlighted that each name in her family’s lineage carries symbolic strength, historical depth, and personal love.
She urged parents to choose names thoughtfully, explaining that names can shape a child’s destiny:
“Names have power. They carry meaning, they inspire, and they remind our children who they are and what they stand for.”
In honoring Raila’s life and their 52 years together, Ida Odinga’s reflection revealed not just the origins of her children’s names — but the enduring spirit of the Odinga family, rooted in resilience, heritage, and hope for Kenya’s future.
