Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), was on Saturday, October 5th, 2026, anointed as the political successor of her late father, Raila Odinga, by Luo elders. The ceremony took place at Opoda farm in Bondo, Siaya County, where elders performed a traditional ritual to bless and endorse her as the new leader. The event was attended by her mother, Ida Odinga, sister, Rosemary Odinga, and members of the Luo Council of Elders.
The anointing ceremony was a significant event that showcased the support of the Luo community for Winnie Odinga's ascension to leadership. Rose Otumba, a female representative of the Luo Council of Elders, vested Winnie with a traditional hat, symbolizing her new role as her father's political heir. The ceremony was accompanied by traditional music and dancing, with attendees expressing their enthusiasm for Winnie's leadership.
The event also highlighted the differences between Winnie and her brother, Raila Junior, who did not attend the ceremony. In October 2025, Raila Junior took over the leadership of the Odinga family in a cultural ceremony held at their Bondo home, which was led by their uncle, Dr. Oburu Oginga. However, Dr. Oburu stated that the event was focused on family leadership and blessings, not political succession.
Winnie Odinga had taken a break from politics to mourn her father's passing but has now announced her return to active politics. She expressed her gratitude for the support and emphasized that leadership cannot be achieved through coercion. Her return to politics has been met with enthusiasm from some quarters, with the Nairobi ODM delegates supporting her as the deputy leader of the party in March 2026.
The anointing ceremony has added momentum to Winnie's political career, with some youth calling for her to take on a leadership role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. The party is currently led by Oburu Oginga, who has been absent from key events, fueling speculation about the party's leadership dynamics. Winnie's supporters argue that she brings a new generation of leadership to the party.
The Luo Council of Elders' endorsement of Winnie Odinga as Raila's political successor has sparked discussions about the future of the ODM party and the role of the Odinga family in Kenyan politics. The event has also raised questions about the relationship between Winnie and her brother, Raila Junior, and how they will navigate their roles within the party and the family.
As Winnie Odinga begins her new role, she faces the challenge of uniting the party and appealing to a broader audience. Her leadership style and vision will be closely watched, as she seeks to build on her father's legacy and carve out her own path in Kenyan politics. With her anointing as Raila's political successor, Winnie Odinga has taken a significant step towards achieving her goals.
Key points
- Winnie Odinga has been anointed as the political successor of her late father, Raila Odinga, by Luo elders in a ceremony held in Bondo, Siaya County.
