Raila: Ida, you're by far the best thing that ever happened to me

ODM Leader Raila Odinga kisses his wife Ida during the Launch of Azimio la Umoja National Convention at Moi International Sports complex Kasarani Stadium on December 10, 2021. [Boniface okendo, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga has penned down a heartfelt birthday message for his wife, Ida Odinga.

Raila took to his social media pages to wish Ida a happy birthday.

"On each of your birthdays like today, I reflect on how you are by far the best thing that ever happened to me. Your strength, resilience, wisdom, and prayers have brought our family this far. Happy birthday my dear Ida Betty," said Raila.

Mrs. Odinga turns 72 years old on Wednesday, August 24.

She is a mother of four children; the late Fidel Odinga, Winnie Odinga, Rosemary Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior.

Born on August 24, 1950, Ida Betty Anyango-Odinga is a trained teacher, who graduated from the University of Nairobi at the age of 24 with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts.

It was during her university days that she met Raila Odinga, who was an employee of the university's Department of Engineering. The couple exchanged wedding vows on September 1, 1973.

Ida has been key during her husband's political career, and has drummed up support for him publicly.

Earlier this month, during the last day of 2022 election campaigns, Raila Odinga appreciated Ida for sticking by him.

"I wish, especially, to thank the strongest human being known to me, her excellency Ida Betty Anyango-Odinga, the pillar of our family and the secret weapon to our combined strength. Ida is the mother of our four children, Fidel Odinga, Rosemary Akeyo, Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga. The four are all different in character, but are all endowed with the strength of their mother, Ida." Raila said.

The former prime minister and his wife are also blessed with grandchildren.