The Hon. Winnie Odinga is not your usual ideal of a cool kid. She appears every inch ready to inherit the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s mantle in leadership and politics.
By President William Ruto’s own admission, Winnie pushed the Commander-in-Chief to the core over why Kenya Airways did not fly to Kerala, India, to pick Raila’s remains.
The President did not in any way view this as insolence but rather as the resolve of a leader determined to provide answers to a problem.
Her uncle, Dr. Oburu Odinga, was equally emphatic about Hon. Winnie’s decisiveness during critical moments. She chose to skip EALA sittings to watch over Baba despite assurances that all would be well.
Now she is in the eye of a good storm. Having handed over Raila’s favorite kofia to Mama Ida Odinga, Winnie looks ready to replace Baba’s ideas nationally, regionally, and in Luo Nyanza.
AFP PHOTO/PEDRO UGARTE (Photo by PEDRO UGARTE / AFP) (Photo by PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images)
Raila Odinga Junior is the leader of Baba’s household, just as Dr. Oburu Oginga was the leader of the Jaramogi family. Winnie will certainly be the political figurehead like her father, assuming the national stature he once occupied, and she is in good company.
President Moi picked Uhuru Kenyatta from relative obscurity and made him president ahead of Ngegi Muigai, George Muhoho, Professor Saitoti, Professor Njuguna Karanja, and Paul Muite.
Winnie, a millennial and a go-getter serving her first term as MP, inspires the likes of Ngina Kenyatta, Hon. Kennedy Kalonzo, George Ruto, and other young leaders following in the footsteps of their successful fathers.
Winnie will play a key role in 2027 politics. She may seek to be a Governor, run for MP, or even became the DP running mate. She is a good representative for millenials.
