Ida Odinga has revealed why she supports both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, explaining how her Luo and Luhya family roots have influenced her football loyalties.

The widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga says she gives the two Kenyan football giants equal support because her parents came from the two communities closely associated with the rival clubs.

Although Ida has not been a regular presence at football stadiums, she has followed the sport over the years, partly through her late husband's longstanding passion for the game.

Raila was a devoted Gor Mahia supporter and served as the club's patron for many years. His love for football also extended to Arsenal, the English Premier League side that he supported.

Speaking in a recent interview with Citizen TV, Ida recalled how Raila's interest in football developed during their university days.

She explained that Raila previously played for Luo Union, and they would sometimes attend matches together at Nairobi's City Stadium.

"Those days when we were at the university, Raila was playing for Luo Union and we used to go and watch them play at the City Stadium. He started off there," Ida recalled.

Her account offers a glimpse into the football memories she shared with her late husband, whose connection with Gor Mahia remained an important part of his public life.

Why Ida supports both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards

Ida's support for both clubs is rooted in her family background rather than an attempt to choose between two fierce rivals.

Gor Mahia has a strong following among the Luo community, while AFC Leopards enjoys significant support among the Luhya community. The two sides share one of Kenya's most celebrated football rivalries, commonly known as the Mashemeji Derby.

For Ida, however, supporting one club does not mean abandoning the other.

"I support Gor Mahia and Arsenal but when AFC Leopards is playing, I support them because I am half Luhya and half Luo," she said.

She further explained that her mother was a Luhya from Khwisero in Kakamega County, while her father was a Luo from Gem in Siaya County.

"My mother was a Luhya from Khwisero and my father was a Luo from Gem. So, I give them 50-50 support," she explained.

Her remarks reveal the personal connection behind her divided loyalties, placing her family heritage at the centre of her support for the two clubs.

Ida's football loyalties and the Mashemeji Derby

The rivalry between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards makes Ida's position particularly interesting whenever the two teams meet.

The Mashemeji Derby attracts considerable attention from Kenyan football fans, with supporters of both sides eagerly anticipating the contest between the historic rivals.

While Raila was firmly associated with Gor Mahia, Ida has explained why she also backs AFC Leopards whenever the club takes to the pitch.

She has not publicly clarified which side she supports when the two rivals face each other directly, leaving open the question of how she handles the occasion when her two favourite Kenyan clubs compete for bragging rights.

For now, her explanation is straightforward: her support for Gor Mahia reflects her connection to her Luo heritage, while her backing for AFC Leopards acknowledges her Luhya roots.

Her 50-50 approach offers a personal perspective on a rivalry that has long been part of Kenya's football culture.

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