The family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is signalling its next political moves, with his daughter Winnie Odinga setting her sights on the Nairobi Senate seat and his son, Raila Odinga Jr, expressing interest in the Kibra parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The announcements came during commemorations marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death in Bondo, Siaya County, on Thursday. The gathering, intended to honour his legacy, also became an occasion for his children to outline their political ambitions.

Winnie, who represents Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), said she was ready to enter elective politics after months of uncertainty about her next move.

Addressing the crowd, she referred to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has announced his intention to seek the presidency in 2027.

“I have seen that there is a visitor here from Nairobi; his name is Sifuna,” Winnie said.

She added that Sifuna’s possible departure from the Senate had prompted her to consider the seat.

“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,” she said.

Winnie also sought to present her political ambitions as a collective effort, with young people at the centre of her campaign.

“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 audience.

Her declaration comes as Nairobi’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the next election. Langata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has also expressed interest in the Senate seat on an ODM ticket.

Sifuna’s presidential ambitions could further reshape the contest, although the final field of candidates and their party affiliations remain to be determined.

Raila Jr sets his sights on Kibra

Winnie’s announcement was accompanied by a declaration from her brother, Raila Odinga Jr, who is eyeing the Kibra parliamentary seat.

For the Odinga family, Kibra carries a long political history. Raila represented the larger Langata constituency for about two decades before it was divided into Kibra and Langata.

Speaking during the anniversary gathering, Raila Jr said he wanted to preserve his father’s legacy, particularly his connection with the constituency.

“As Raila’s son, I want your work and legacy to live on. Baba loved everybody. He loved Kibera. I also love Kibera,” he said.

His remarks followed months of engagement with local residents and community leaders, suggesting that his interest in the seat extends beyond the anniversary event.

In August, Raila Jr met elders from Kibra and spoke about his plans for organising the constituency beyond the 2027 election.

“I’m thinking of organising Kibera post 2027, and you are thinking of voting. I’m already ahead of you,” he said.

“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 added.

He later said he had met elders from all five wards in Kibra: Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang’ombe. The discussions, he said, focused on unity, community development and the constituency’s future.

Raila Jr has also met members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, describing the gathering as an opportunity to reconnect with people who had shared years of political engagement with his father.

“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.

A family legacy faces a new political test

Raila was a dominant figure in Nairobi politics for years, with his party winning numerous elective seats in the capital and his presidential campaigns drawing substantial support in the region.

His children’s declarations come at a time when ODM and its supporters are navigating questions about the party’s future leadership and electoral strategy following his death.

Winnie’s Senate bid and Raila Jr’s interest in Kibra could bring renewed attention to the family’s political influence. However, their success will depend on the choices of voters, party nominations and the wider competition for the two seats.

Both for now have signalled their intentions. The months leading to the 2027 election will determine how those ambitions translate into formal candidacies and electoral campaigns.