What if ex-PM Raila Odinga was a literary character?

Recent debates surrounding the succession of the late Raila Odinga have focused on his children, particularly Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior. However, questions persist about why Rosemary Odinga, the eldest daughter, has been largely excluded from the succession narrative despite claims that she was once favored by her father.

This controversy emerged following public events in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, where Winnie’s rising prominence and Raila Junior’s political ambitions have drawn attention to the future of the Odinga political dynasty.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale reignited the debate in October 2025 by stating that Raila had identified Rosemary as his preferred political successor following the death of their eldest son, Fidel Odinga. According to Khalwale, Raila had encouraged Rosemary to prepare for a political career, even accompanying her to her maiden rally in Kibra. However, his account is based on personal recollection rather than a formally established succession plan.

Khalwale recalled Rosemary's maiden political rally at Kamkunji Grounds in Kibra, highlighting her vibrant, intelligent, and articulate qualities that made her a potential political successor to her father. Nevertheless, her political journey was abruptly halted after she fell ill shortly after the rally, requiring medical treatment in South Africa. Her subsequent withdrawal from active politics in 2019 to pursue health recovery meant she did not pursue a parliamentary career that Khalwale claims Raila had encouraged.

While Khalwale positions Rosemary as a central figure in Raila’s succession plans, political analyst Herman Manyora argues that Winnie Odinga is better positioned to carry on the family’s political legacy. Manyora believes Winnie possesses the necessary political temperament to continue Raila’s work and the broader political tradition of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

He also emphasizes the role of Raila’s elder brother, Senator Oburu Oginga, in safeguarding the family’s business interests and suggests that he should eventually hand over the ODM leadership mantle to Winnie.