Can Winnie Odinga Fit in Raila's Shoes Politically?

Kenya, 24 October 2025 - The daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Winnie Odinga, is poised to carry forward one of Kenya’s most enduring political legacies—that of her late father.

As the country mourns the passing of a man who defined opposition politics, democratisation, and reform for decades, attention is shifting to his youngest daughter, who appears ready to step into his formidable shoes.

Her likely emergence will mark both continuity and transformation: the continuation of the Odinga family’s political lineage, and the dawn of a new era characterised by youth, gender inclusion, and digital-age leadership.

Already, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) central management committee is set to hold a meeting Monday, where key decisions will be made on running the party.

According to sources, privy to the meeting, Winnie could be annointed to carry the father's legacy leading the political chorus for unity, while Raila's elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga confirmed as the ODM party leader.

Raila's sister Ruth Odinga-Kisumu Woman Representative is also tipped for a role in the central management committee as the family moves to entrench themselves in a party cherished by 'Baba' to carry on with the management.

Meanwhile, Raila Odinga Junior has extended a heartfelt invitation to Kenyans from all walks of life to gather in Bondo, Siaya County—the Odinga family’s ancestral home—to honor his father at will.

“We welcome everyone to Bondo. Come pray with us and visit Raila’s grave,” he said, underscoring the national and inclusive spirit of the Odinga legacy.

He said the family does not intend to gag anyone from any part of the country from paying them a visit and dissociate from any such misconception or thought by any political elite allied to ODM and the family.

"Feel free to come mourn with us during this solemn period of reflection,"Junior said after he was installed as the family household head and spokesperson.

In that simple invitation lies both a call for collective mourning and a recognition that Raila’s impact went far beyond party or tribe.

Bondo, long regarded as the heart of opposition politics, now becomes a symbolic resting place for a man who shaped Kenya’s modern political identity.

The Odinga name is synonymous with struggle, resilience, and reform.

From Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s fight for independence to Raila Odinga’s relentless pursuit of constitutional change and social justice, the family has stood at the center of Kenya’s political evolution.

With Raila’s passing, the question of succession—both emotional and political—inevitably arises.

In this context, Winnie Odinga’s ascent represents not only the preservation of a legacy but also the reshaping of it.

Winnie, a Member of Parliament in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), has already shown political acumen and forthrightness reminiscent of her father.

However, she belongs to a different generation—one that communicates through social media, values transparency, and demands accountability.

Her political style is assertive and modern, appealing to younger voters seeking change in a system long dominated by older men.

"If she officially assumes her father’s mantle, she will stand as both a symbol of continuity and a bridge to the future," noted a political observer Ben Odhiambo.

Her rise also carries deep gender implications. Kenya’s political scene remains heavily patriarchal, and Winnie’s leadership could challenge entrenched norms.

"Her potential to lead a national movement as a young woman reflects a broader shift in Kenyan society, where women are increasingly claiming space in politics, activism, and governance," noted Mr Odhiambo.

The prospect of Winnie leading ODM or shaping its next chapter could inject fresh young energy into a party that has, for years, revolved around her father’s personality and charisma.

Yet, her path will not be without obstacles. Dynastic politics in Kenya often evoke mixed reactions.

While the Odinga name commands loyalty and respect, critics argue that political inheritance can stifle meritocracy and innovation.

Winnie will need to demonstrate not only her capacity to lead but also her ability to modernize her father’s movement and reconnect it with the youth and working-class base that once powered Raila’s political machine.

Success will depend on how well she transforms inherited influence into authentic leadership.

Raila Junior’s public tone—a blend of mourning and hope—captures the dual nature of this moment.

His message invites unity and reflection, even as it signals the family’s readiness for a political handover.

For many Kenyans, this moment feels like the end of a political era and the uncertain beginning of another.

The Odinga family’s narrative, intertwined with the country’s democratic journey, continues to evolve in new and unexpected ways.

As Kenyans converge in Bondo to honour the late Raila Odinga, they will not only be paying tribute to a towering statesman, but also witnessing the quiet emergence of a new figure ready to shape the next phase of that legacy.

Winnie’s challenge will be to keep alive her father’s reformist spirit while charting her own path—one that speaks to the aspirations of a younger, more diverse Kenya.

In the end, the torch is passed, but not extinguished. From Jaramogi to Raila, and now to Winnie, poised to be annointed , the Odinga story remains one of endurance, conviction, and renewal.

As the nation bows its head in grief, it also looks ahead—to the possibility that the ideals Raila fought for may yet find new life in the hands of a new generation and to remain politically afloat.