Ida Odinga Pays Emotional Tribute To Fidel Castro As She Marks 9 Years Since His Death

• Ida Odinga marked nine years since the passing of her firstborn son, Fidel Odinga, pouring her heart out on Thursday, January 5
• She shared the enduring struggles she faced over the years, acknowledging that nothing could replace Fidel's presence in the family
• Despite the pain, Ida expressed the belief that Fidel is with them every day, and they continue to embrace and embody his joy, love, and kindness

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The pain of losing a child is extremely intense as parents struggle with the finality of never seeing their child and the loss of future hopes and plans.

Sunday, January 4, 2015, has remained imprinted in the hearts of former prime minister Raila Odinga and wife Ida Odinga.

On this day, their son, Fidel Castro Odinga, died after a night out. He was found unresponsive in his house in Karen.

Ida reminisces memories with Fidel

Ida poured her heart out on Thursday, January 5, as she marked nine years since her firstborn son's death.

In a statement on Facebook, Ida pointed out how the first time had moved, reminiscing Fidel's childhood and strong desire to protect his family.

"It is 9 today! Unbelievably fast! But that was always you, my Son Fidel Castro Makarios Odhiambo Odinga. From the first day I carried you, to the many months you spent on my laps as a baby, you always wanted to be your own man, so you could protect us.

Then you grew up tall, loving, caring, happy and incomparably kind. I still remember you in these ways. We still remember you in these ways," Ida wrote.

Ida's struggles after Fidel's death

She disclosed the struggles she has endured over the years, adding that nothing would replace his presence in the family.

Ida added that she lives knowing Fidel is with them every day, and they have continued to enjoy and practice his joy and love.

"Nine years later, I have struggled to accept something that these years without you have taught me. That perhaps, you may have just lived enough because you lived so right. Your passing away, no doubt, shook me and shook us. Nothing in this world, will ever be able to replace your presence around us.

So, as you turn 9 as the son I lost, I know you are always here with us. And we are with you. You live in us every day, and we have continued to enjoy and practice your joy, love and kindness the way you taught us. Keep resting in peace, Fidel Obange wuod Nyagem," she continued.

Government asks Raila to collect late son's assets

In October 2022, the government asked Raila to collect the unclaimed assets that Fidel left behind.

Through the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (Ufaa), the government noted that Raila and his family were yet to make an official claim to the said assets.

Without disclosing the actual amount of the cash, the agency's Head of Corporate Communications, Paul Muya, termed it as 'substantial', supposedly millions of shillings, considering that Fidel was an astute businessman.