Raila Throws Star-Studded Party To Celebrate Ida's Birthday & Anniversary [PHOTOS]

The star-studded event was held at the luxurious Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi County.

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Aug 25, 2023 - 10:30
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Raila Throws Star-Studded Party To Celebrate Ida's Birthday & Anniversary [PHOTOS]
Raila Odinga with his wife, Ida during their 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga celebrated the latter's 73rd birthday and their 50th wedding anniversary in show-stopping fashion at a private event attended by close friends and a section of Kenyan celebrities.

The star-studded event was held at the luxurious Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi County.

The Azimio la Umoja leader, who was out of the country, had flown back to celebrate the wedding anniversary as well as accord Ida a birthday celebration that would forever live in her memory and that of her doting husband.

Raila Odinga with his wife, Ida during their 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

In an interesting fashion, the event was also used to celebrate the birthday of Raila Odinga Jr.'s kid who was turning two years old. Odinga Jr. was alongside East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga and Raila's grandchildren were also in attendance.

Among the politicians invited to the special event included Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among others.

Siaya Governor James Orengo, Homa Bay Senator Otieno Kajwang and Lawyer Danstan Omari who has acted for many Azimio leaders, were also present.

Popular musicians Esther Akoth (Akothee) and Prince Indah were among the guest performers for the night event that went minutes past midnight.

Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, at Raila and Ida Odinga's 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

Raila seized the moment to express his love and admiration for Ida, his lifelong partner.

He serenaded her with 'Jamaican Farewell,' a cherished song by Harry Belafonte, an artist close to Ida's heart. This musical tribute showcased the depth of their enduring love and shared passions.

"I am seeing this baby who has been born and you can see how beautiful she is. Everyone can see that her face is still shining. In my incarnation, I lived in Germany," he stated.

Raila later took to social media to pen a poignant message to his wife for standing firm on behalf of the Odinga family.

"Being married to you for five decades has brought me great joy, and celebrating this milestone with your birthday was awesome.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Mama Ida, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for being not only the love of my life but also the bedrock and pillar of our family," he wrote.

The duo's children capped off the celebrations with a Ksh1 million cheque gifted to their mother to go towards the construction of the Ida Odinga Library.

A cheque of Ksh1 million presented at Raila and Ida Odinga's 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

It is being constructed at Ogande Girls in Homa Bay County to the tune of Ksh350 million.

Winnie had hinted at the family continuously planning another intimate event for the duo in December, taking note of the considerably low attendance compared to a year ago when the political atmosphere was at its peak.

Most political leaders seeking power rarely miss these events owing to the influence of the Odinga family. However, it was different this time round as some leaders, after getting power, often shifted camp and joined rival camps as is the case with many who are now working with President William Ruto.

"A year ago this place would have been packed to the end but we prefer it this way (small group) because these are the real ones. This is just the beginning and we are encouraging them to do another wedding in December.

"We encourage their friend to push them to mark it," she stated as the room burst into laughter.

Here are more photos from the event:

Martha Karua at Raila and Ida Odinga's 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

Lawyer Danstan Omari, Kalonzo Musyoka and Governor James Orengo at Raila and Ida Odinga's 50th wedding anniversary and Ida's 73rd birthday celebration on August 24, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

Raila Odinga helps his wife, Ida Odinga, cut her birthday cake during her birthday and their wedding anniversary celebrations on August 24, 2023. /BABU OWINO

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