Raila Odinga and wife Mama Ida celebrate 50 years' anniversary, 73rd birthday with pomp and color

The Azimio Leader, who has been in the United Kingdom for the past few days to rest, returned to the country to celebrate Mama Ida, who turned 73 on August 24, 2023.

The birthday party was held at the swanky Villa Rosa Kempinski hotel where family members, leaders and friends of the Odingas gathered for a sumptuous reception.

From photos shared online, Ida was seen arriving at the ceremony in a lavish SUV written 'Happy Birthday H.E Mama Dr. Ida Odinga' as her husband helped usher her out of it.

A beaming Raila was later seen dancing with his wife, looking resplendent in all-African attire as popular Benga star Prince Indah serenaded the duo.

 Ida's friend singer Akothee too was on hand to entertain the guests many of whom were seen having a blast and dancing along to the tunes.

But it was Raila who stole the show when he sang popular Harry Belafonte ballad 'Jamaica Farewell'. 

In his speech, which was peppered with affectionate words and phrases, Raila praised Ida for being by his side throughout, saying he had to make sure he was back in the country to celebrate the day with his wife.

He described their five decades of a largely happy marriage as joyous and thanked Ida for being the glue that held their family together.

"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," he said. 

“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."

Eminent guests who graced the ceremony included Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo among others.

On Twitter, Raila went even further - lavishing praises on his wife and thanking her for being the 'love of his life'.

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

"Mama @IdaOdinga, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for being not only the love of my life, but also the bedrock and pillar of our family."

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

Mama @IdaOdinga, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for being not only the love of my life, but also the bedrock and pillar of our family. pic.twitter.com/5lvufLqbRk— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) August 25, 2023