In the shadow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s legacy, a family drama is unfolding, highlighting the delicate politics of succession.
On one side of the argument is Winnie Odinga, who was crowned as the daughter of her late father at a function in Bondo, Siaya County, on Monday. The event, attended by her mother Ida Odinga, representatives of the Luo Council of Elders and family members, marked her out as a potential successor to the late leader, reflecting tensions around titles, community and the pressures of a political crown.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga Junior marked the day by visiting former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, with supporter Jaoko Oburu, seeking his endorsement for their parliamentary bids: Junior for Kibra and Oburu for Bondo.
Raila Junior has said he was not consulted on his sister’s coronation and is not interested in following in his father’s footsteps as a second-generation leader.
“I’m focusing on my political career and building my own image as Raila Junior and I’m optimistic that I will succeed. I’m not just relying on Baba’s name, nor am I fighting to be endorsed by anyone,” he said.
He has stressed the need for unity in the Luo Nyanza community. At the laying of flowers during the commissioning of his father’s mausoleum at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, one year to the day after his death on 15 October 2025, he thanked President William Ruto for his contribution to the region and reiterated his 2027 ambitions, saying: “In 2027, I want to run for the Kibra MP, my father’s old post; please support me.”
While the events unfolded, Winnie’s coronation marked Raila’s passing and raised questions about succession. She was the latest in a long line of Luo leaders to hold traditional titles, and the pressure has mounted for her to follow in her father’s footsteps as a prominent leader. Junior, meanwhile, has engaged in his own low-key campaign, reaching out to key figures and building his own base.
Luo Council of Elders Secretary Jotham Ajiki said Raila Junior was aware of the pressures on the family, saying: “The elders contacted him about the coronation and told him to be careful, but these are people who know what they are doing.”
Supporters and mobilisers see Winnie as a potential candidate for the 2027 Nairobi senatorial seat, but Junior’s Kibra ambitions keep the succession issue alive. Political veterans who worked closely with the late leader have urged Ida to take a lead role in managing the succession debate, wary of potential discord within ODM and the family.
The mausoleum, built by the Kenya Defence Forces and now cared for by the National Museums of Kenya, is a fitting memorial to Raila, a national icon. Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo said the complex would see future generations engage with Raila’s legacy, but the living contest for his political crown continues through his ODM party, political mentees and his children.
– By John Murunga
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