Meru Leaders Issue Apology to Ida Odinga 

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Homa Bay Women Rep Gladys Wanga (left) and Mama Ida Odinga at Sing'enge Primary School in Ndhiwa on November 5, 2021
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Gladys Wanga

Leaders from Meru County have apologised to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's wife, mama Ida Odinga, days after she was heckled at a church function in the county.

Addressing the media at the Meru County Assembly on Wednesday, March 30, the caucus made of elected women Members of County Assembly (MCAs) condemned the heckling of Ida, asking her to forgive the county over the incident.

The leaders stated that they were shocked by the incident, adding that leaders from across the political divide were welcome to attend functions in the county.

Additionally, the leaders rebuked their colleagues who sponsored the heckling, castigating them for interrupting a church event.

Mama Ida Odinga during a women's prayer meeting in Meru County on March 26, 2022.
Mama Ida Odinga during a women's prayer meeting in Meru County on March 26, 2022.
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Ida Odinga

"For very many centuries, Meru has been peaceful. The way we want to be welcomed in all the counties in the same way we shall welcome others to ours.

"On behalf of Meru mothers, we want to say that we are very sorry for what happened. It was just a section of the crowd that the conveners of the meeting have confirmed that they were paid to boo mama Ida," the MCA stated.

Further, they asked the leaders to respect the church by abstaining from making political statements in the church.

"We want to condemn and shame that incident because it was not a political event but a faithful women's prayer association.

Why can't we leaders organise our own meetings? Why should be gate crush meetings that have agendas, especially those that are church-based?" another leader queried.

Following the heckling of Ida, various leaders took to social media to condemn the incident even as some called on the police to investigate those behind it.

"What happened at the Meru CWA function was uncalled for especially because the women through their leadership must have invited Ida as their guest. 

"Why invite a guest then heckle or boo them? Probably a stage-managed affair for the sole purpose of political zoning which is unacceptable," Martha Karua stated.

After coming under sharp criticism, church leaders who organised the event stated that the drama started when some of the politicians demanded to address the congregation.

"This was supposed to be a day of prayer. A politician had brought people with him to the event. It was decided that only Ida Odinga would address participants so as to clear of politics during the event," Sister Gemmah Mbui stated.

Raila Odinga (left) and Martha Karua at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Wednesday, March 23, 2022..jpg
Raila Odinga (left) and Martha Karua at Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Martha Karua