Nineteen days after Raila’s burial in Bondo, mourners continue to stream into her home, each visit reopening the fresh wound of loss, yet offering comfort in their own way.
Ida, known for her strength, calm composure, and long-standing role in public life, admitted that the shift in how people now refer to her has been emotional. She noted that being called a widow still feels unfamiliar, but she is taking each day as it comes.
The grieving process, she said, has taught her patience, resilience and acceptance — qualities she has had to lean on as she navigates this new chapter.
Even as she adjusts, Ida remains gracious to the thousands who have made the journey to pay their respects. She described the support as overwhelming but deeply comforting, a reminder of the immense impact Raila had on Kenyans across generations.
In a tender reflection, she shared that if life ever gave her another chance, she would choose Raila again — a statement that captured the depth of their bond and the life they built over decades.
As Kenya continues to mourn the iconic opposition leader, Ida’s words offer a glimpse into the private pain behind the public tributes, revealing a woman finding strength in vulnerability while embracing a title she never imagined would define her so soon.
