Winnie Odinga has opened up about the emotional challenges she has faced since the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025.
Further, Winnie revealed that she is still struggling to move forward months after the passing of her father.
She described the period following his death as the most difficult chapter of her life, saying the loss has left a void that she is yet to overcome.
Speaking during a recent public engagement, Winnie reflected on her close relationship with Raila and how her life changed after his death.
“For the past eight months, I’ve gone through the most difficult period of my life. My dad and I were tight. In fact, I tell people I am currently going through my midlife crisis; a very traumatic event happened to me. When I was in India, I was quickly rushed home and all of a sudden, I was told to speak about the person I had dedicated my whole life to,” Winnie stated.
Further, she clarified that from the moment she received the news of the passing of Raila Odinga, those around her had no idea what she went through.
Raila’s daughter added that being asked to come back home and offer her last respects to her late father was one of the most difficult tasks she had ever undertaken, citing that before Raila’s death, the two had formed an unbreakable bond and shared happy moments.
In addition, she added that with the death of her father, Winnie faced pressure from the family and the members of the public expecting her to perform the assigned duties during the burial and life celebration of Raila properly without any form of weakness.
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Winnie Odinga on Raila’s Death Loss
According to Winnie, the shock of losing her father was intensified by the fact that she was with him in India when he died.
She recalled how they were talking and spending time together, and shortly after, she was being put into the public spotlight and expected to address the nation about Raila Odinga’s death.
Beyond the personal grief, Winnie revealed that she has also had to grapple with concerns about her father’s legacy.
Winnie has also clarified that grief has no handbook, citing that the public will always be expecting one to offer services and leadership before they have a chance to process and heal from the loss of a loved one.
However, she also emphasized that opening up about her journey in dealing with her father’s loss is not a story of loneliness, noting that sharing is part of a healing process.
“Sometimes you are expected to smile while carrying a weight no one can see. To lead before you have had the chance to heal. To be strong when you are still trying to understand what happened. This is my story, not of loss alone, but of resilience. And if it reminds someone that healing is not linear, then sharing it was worth it,” Winnie Odinga noted.
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Raila’s Final Moments
During Raila Odinga’s funeral ceremonies, Winnie detailed Raila’s last moments, dismissing claims that he had died bedridden.
Instead, she described her father as an active and determined man despite having health challenges.
She revealed that Raila maintained a daily walking routine and consistently pushed himself to stay physically active.
According to Winnie, on the day Raila passed away, he had reportedly completed more laps than usual before collapsing while at Devamatha Hospital in Koothattukulam.
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