Children of the former ODM leader Raila Odinga have declared their interest in running for key political seats in Nairobi in next year’s general election.
Raila’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga on Thursday announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, while her brother, Raila Odinga Jr, is eyeing the Kibra parliamentary seat.
“As Raila’s son, I want your work and legacy to live on. Baba loved everybody. He loved Kibera. I also love Kibera,” Jr said.
The declarations came during the first anniversary celebrations of Raila’s death, turning the event into a platform for the family’s political ambitions.
Raila served as the MP for the larger Langata constituency before it was split into Kibra and Langata – for a record two decades.
Besides Kibera, Raila dominated Nairobi politics, beating his rivals on presidential votes and his party winning a majority of elective seats in the capital.
After months of silence on her political future, Winnie declared her readiness to enter elective politics.
She said Sifuna’s presence at the event had prompted her to address questions about her ambitions.
“I have seen that there is a visitor here from Nairobi; his name is Sifuna,” Winnie said.
“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is a space. That is why I will stand for the senator of Nairobi.”
Winnie, who represents Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly, said her political journey would centre on young people, signalling an attempt to mobilise the youth vote.
“Lakini siendi pekee yangu (But I’m not going alone), I am going with young people. Are you ready to walk with me?” she asked, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Sifuna has declared his intention to run for the presidency in 2027, setting the stage for a possible contest over the political space he would leave in Nairobi should he pursue the national seat.
Already, Langata MP Felix Odiwuor has declared interest in the seat on the ODM ticket.
Meanwhile, Raila Jr has been laying the groundwork for his Kibra parliamentary bid through meetings with community leaders and local residents.
The constituency holds particular significance for the Odinga family, having been represented by Raila for two decades.
During a meeting with Kibra elders in August, Raila Jr said his focus was already on organising the constituency and preparing for its future.
“I’m thinking of organising Kibera post 2027, and you are thinking of voting. I’m already ahead of you. My problem is how I organise Kibera now, and your problem is how I will enter there; that is not my problem. I have already moved forward, and I’m organising,” he said.
He later said he had met elders from all five wards of Kibra — Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang’ombe — to discuss the constituency’s future.
“We had a fruitful discussion on unity, community development, and the future of Kibra. I appreciate their wisdom and continued commitment to our community,” he said.
Raila Jr also met members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, describing them as familiar faces with whom he had shared years of political engagement.
“It was great catching up, sharing ideas, and reflecting on our journey and the future of Kibra. The bond remains strong. The journey continues. Together, we move forward,” he said.
