For the Love of Food: Oburu’s Tribute ends with a Wives Reveal

Amidst the sombre mood at the State Funeral Service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a moment of warmth and humour broke through the national grief.

As dignitaries, family, and thousands of mourners gathered at Nyayo Stadium to bid farewell to the iconic statesman, his elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, delivered a tribute that was deeply moving and perfectly timed for light relief.

Oburu Odinga, a veteran politician, spoke of his brother Raila as his confidant, age-mate, and political mentor. He recalled a lifelong bond that was closer than that of typical siblings.

However, it was the closing remarks of his speech that sent a wave of laughter through the stadium, momentarily turning the mournful setting into one of communal cheer.

The Introduction

Before concluding his tribute, the senator paused, looked at the crowd, and, with a knowing smile, addressed a matter of family protocol.

“If I don’t introduce them to you, they might feel jealous and refuse to give me food,” he joked, drawing a roar of laughter and applause from the audience.

He then proceeded to introduce his two wives, publicly acknowledging the women who stand by him.

Dr Ann Ayoo Oburu, his first wife, is a paediatrician. Oburu introduced her, saying, “This is the lady who took me out of boyhood.”

Judith Oburu, his second wife, is a qualified accountant who works with NSSF. Referring to her, he added, “I didn’t want Ann to scratch me or massage me, so I brought her a helper,” a remark that doubled the crowd’s laughter.

A Testament to Family and Culture

For many families, this moment resonated deeply. In a society that is rapidly modernizing but still holds strong to cultural traditions, Oburu Odinga’s unscripted introduction was a rare public display of an often-private cultural reality. It was a gesture that:

Honoured his wives by giving them a platform and public recognition at such a significant national event.

The gesture also demonstrated family unity and stability. Even within the complexity of a polygamous setup, the family demonstrated strength and unity within itself. A rare occurrence in such family setups.

Acknowledging them even on a state platform was a subtle nod to the enduring traditions within the Luo culture and many Kenyan communities.

While the nation mourns “Baba’s” passing, this touching moment of family life provided a necessary emotional reprieve. It reminds everyone that even in the highest forms of state ceremony, the heart of the matter is the personal, human bond of family.

The introduction not only acknowledged Oburu’s wives but also celebrated the enduring spirit of the Odinga family in the face of immense loss.