At the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday, his widow, Ida Odinga, took mourners through a tender and deeply personal reflection — the stories behind the names of their four children.

Speaking at Nyayo National Stadium, Ida, who was married to Raila for 52 years, described how each name carried meaning drawn from history, family, and shared values.

“Each of our children’s names has a story,” she said softly. “We believed that names should inspire character and purpose.”

Fidel Castro Odhiambo Odinga

Their firstborn son, Fidel, was named after the Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro — a figure Raila admired for his defiance and courage.

“When Fidel was born, I was a bit hesitant,” Ida admitted with a faint smile. “But Raila said he was a great admirer of Fidel Castro, and that’s how our first son became Fidel Castro Odinga.”

Fidel, born in 1973, died suddenly in January 2015 at age 41. His death remains one of the most painful chapters in the Odinga family’s story. He left behind his widow, Lwam Getachew Bekele, and their son, Allay.

Rosemary Odinga

Their second-born daughter’s name came from a blend of two maternal figures — Ida’s mother, Rose, and Raila’s mother, Mary.

“We combined Rose and Mary to make Rosemary,” she explained. “It held meaning for both of us.”

Born in 1977, Rosemary followed her father’s political footsteps briefly, showing interest in the Kibra parliamentary seat in 2017. But her campaign was cut short after she developed a brain tumour that temporarily cost her eyesight.

She later sought treatment in Kerala, India — the same facility where her father had been receiving medical care — and gradually regained her sight in 2022.

Beyond politics, she is known for championing agribusiness, particularly snail farming, and is a mother of two daughters.

Raila Oginga Odinga (Raila Junior)

Contrary to popular belief, Raila Junior was not named directly after his father.

“He was named after Raila’s best friend and cousin, Raila Kimbo,” Ida revealed. “That’s how we ended up with another Raila in the family.”

Born in 1979, Junior has largely stayed out of politics, instead building a career in business and media. Married to Yvonne Wambui Kibukosya since 2011, he has spoken candidly about the couple’s journey through infertility before welcoming their son.

Winnie Irmgard Odinga

The Odingas’ youngest child, born in March 1990, arrived during a moment of global transformation.

“I was in labour, watching the television,” Ida recounted. “That was the day Nelson Mandela walked out of prison after 27 years. I saw him holding hands with Winnie Mandela — and I said, if it’s a girl, she’ll be Winnie.”

If the baby had been a boy, she said, the name would have been Wilson Mandela.

Winnie has since become a visible figure in Kenyan politics and currently serves as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representing Kenya.

Through her calm narration, Ida painted not only the story of her children but also that of a family intertwined with history — global and local, political and personal.

Her reflection offered a glimpse into the private life of one of Kenya’s most public families — a portrait of love, conviction, and legacy.