Raila Junior addresses guests during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum at Kang'o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on July 20, 2026.

📋 Breaking It Down

For the first time, the widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida, has publicly addressed her son Raila Junior’s interest in running for political office in the 2027 General Election, throwing her support behind his bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat.

Speaking at her Karen home on Monday during celebrations to mark her 76 th birthday attended by hundreds of Kibra residents, Mama Odinga acknowledged her son’s political ambitions, saying his interest in politics was hardly surprising.

She said she was handing Junior over to the people of Kibra and Nairobi leaders who had worked closely with his late father, urging them to mentor and guide him.

📌 What You Need to Know

“You as Kibra people have decided and I have no otherwise. I’m releasing my son into your hands. The leaders who are here, take care of him, teach him and guide him. Many of you started politics with Baba. Show him the way,” Mama Ida said.

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Raila Junior speaks to the congregation during a service at Cathedral of Praise Ministries International Church in Imara Daima, Nairobi on May 24, 2026.

She, however, urged her son to embrace clean politics free from insults and violence, noting that Kibra had played a central role in the late Mr Odinga’s political journey.

“Convince people with your words. Convince them with what you can do for them,” she said.

She also used her first birthday celebration since her husband’s death to call for peace and unity among Kibra residents despite their political differences.

📰 Source: Nation Africa