NASA Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s wife, Ida Odinga has taken a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto for constant criticism of her husband.
In particular, Ida took issues with Ruto’s reference on her husband as “Yule jamaa wa vitendawili (the riddle guy).
She told Ruto that were it not for the “vitendawili” (riddles) from Raila, he would not be where he is today since the riddles taught him a great deal in politics.
“Every time you say “kitendawili”; people pay attention. They want to hear what is coming next,” she said in an interview with NTV on Wednesday evening.
She said Ruto’s play at politics is repulsive because he “gives lectures and warn people”.
“But if you are just giving lectures and warning people, that is not leadership. People get scared of you.”
A week ago when Raila appeared for a different interview with KTN, he said the riddles come naturally; he does not memorize them before a political rally.
Ida expressed optimism in finally settling in the house on the Hill-State House.
She said this time around, she is sure Raila will clinch the coveted seat.
“I am sure this is the time,” remarked Ida adding her husband has been longing to change the country and she has complete faith in him to do that.
“I am sure and I know he can do it.”
Should she get into office, her prime focus will be on health.
Ida noted that a few months ago when her last born Rosemary Odinga was taken ill with a non-cancerous tumour, she was shocked to find that Kenyans are treating patients in South African hospitals.
“I found Kenyans working in South African Hospitals as doctors. Something must be done so that we improve on our health facilities here, so we can also benefit from our children,” she observed.
On the question of how she would help Raila roll out beneficial programmes for single mothers, she said having been a young mother and alone while her husband was in detention, she will address their plight through her own initiatives.