Winnie Odinga enters Nairobi Senate race after elders endorse her as Raila’s heir

NAIROBI, Kenya - The daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has announced her intention to run for the Nairobi Senate seat, signaling her entry into politics at a time when her father's former Senate representative, Edwin Sifuna, is positioning himself for a potential presidential run in 2027. Odinga made the declaration during the first anniversary memorial of her father, where she directly addressed Sifuna's presidential ambitions, which have gained prominence ahead of the next General Election.

During the ceremony, Odinga set herself apart from other potential contenders, such as Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, who is seen as a possible candidate from the ODM party. She emphasized that her decision to run for the Nairobi Senate seat was made in response to Sifuna's quest for higher offices. "As Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there's space, and that's why I've decided that I'll stand for the seat of Senate of Nairobi County," she said.

In addition to her political ambitions, Odinga stated her intention to bring more young people into elective politics. She expressed her desire to see young people prepare to stand for positions such as governors, senators, and MPs. "I will not go alone, I will go with young people. I will not stand alone there. I want young people to prepare to stand as governors, senators and MPs," she said.

Odinga's announcement follows a symbolic ceremony on October 3, 2026, where a section of Luo elders in Bondo, Siaya County, crowned her as Raila's political heir. The elders, led by Rose Otumba, the women's representative of the Siaya Luo Council of Elders, placed a traditional hat on Odinga's head and urged her to take over from her father.

This endorsement adds to calls for her to assume a bigger role in the ODM party following her father's death, providing a specific electoral direction to the ongoing political conversation.