Mama Ida Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has disclosed her position ahead of her husband's major announcement on December 9, 2021.
In a recent interview with Nation, Mama Ida disclosed that she is anxious about whether her husband will choose to vie for the Presidency come 2022 or not.
While all indications seem to be in the affirmative, Mama Ida stated that Raila has kept the final word as his own secret and is yet to disclose it to her as well.
"That’s his secret. I’m also anxious and waiting like anybody else to know whatever he will say," she remarked.
She went on to clarify that she would still support his candidature once again, citing that she stood by him through his 10-year incarceration - early in their marriage.
"Nine years after my marriage, Jakom (Mr Odinga) went to prison. You mean I could stay there for 10 years to wait for him to come back from prison and fail to support him? If I supported him in his absence, I can still support him in his presence," she emphasized.
Mama Ida Speaks on her relationship with Rachel Ruto
Mama Ida was also interviewed about her relationship with the current First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta and the spouse of Deputy President William Ruto - Rachel Ruto.
Stating that she rarely gets to meet with either of them, Mama Ida indicated that her relationship with Mrs Kenyatta is more chummy than the one she carries with Mrs Ruto.
She attributed the perceived distance between herself and Rachel to the political rivalry between her husband and the DP.
Mama Ida further specified that DP Ruto may have discouraged his wife from getting cosy with her while insisting that Mr Odinga does not dictate who she chooses to interact with.
"I have no problem with them. In fact we are friends although we don’t meet as often. But with Margaret, we are easy. Even with Rachel we would be easy, but I know it won’t be easy for her. The spouse may not allow her to engage me for obvious political reasons. He may not like it.
"I don’t ask for permission to meet anybody. I’m a senior citizen. I’m not mzee’s little child (smiles). There are certain decisions that I can also make. If I need consultation, I’ll consult, but there are certain decisions I can make as a human being," Mrs Odinga elaborated.