HOMA BAY, Kenya — It was not the kind of school pick-up one sees every day.
On Monday, the quiet afternoon at Tom Mboya University was broken by the thrum of helicopter blades. A blue chopper descended onto the university grounds, sending dust swirling and heads turning.
The unexpected visitor was Mama Ida Odinga, wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. She had arrived to collect her daughter, Winnie Odinga, who was attending the closing ceremony of the #Innovate254 Hackathon hosted by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
“At first we thought Raila had decided to make an impromptu appearance,” one attendee said with a smile. “But when the door opened, it was Mama Ida herself.”
Winnie, who had been chatting with members of the public on the sidelines, seemed unfazed by the commotion. Moments later, flanked by Governor Wanga and other dignitaries, she made her way to the helicopter. Inside, Mama Ida greeted her with a warm smile from the co-pilot’s seat.
Spectators were cleared from the landing area, and within minutes, the chopper lifted off the brief visit over as quickly as it had begun.
The spectacle was a lively footnote to a day focused on youth innovation. The hackathon’s finale honoured winners in three categories Ideation, Prototype, and Ready to Market after a 48-hour sprint to develop AI-driven solutions.
A total of KSh 2.25 million in prizes was awarded to teams whose projects showed creativity, practical problem-solving, and readiness for the market.
Governor Wanga hailed the event as a milestone. “This momentous finale proves that #DevCon2025 is a launchpad for youth inclusion, innovation, and empowerment,” she said.
For many in Homa Bay, however, the image of a mother arriving by helicopter to fetch her grown daughter may linger just as long as the day’s winning ideas.
About the Author
