SIAYA, Kenya – East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has hinted at a possible return to local politics, marking what could be the next chapter in the Odinga family’s political journey following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Siaya on Sunday, Winnie expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for standing with the family during their bereavement.
“Your Excellency, our people appreciate you honouring our father. Thank you for standing with us. You should also know, in case you are wondering, I’m ready to come back home,” she said — turning directly toward the President, drawing murmurs and applause from mourners.
President Ruto, seated beside Mama Ida Odinga, was seen smiling in response, a brief but telling moment amid the emotional ceremony.
The remark was widely interpreted as a signal of political intent, suggesting that Winnie, who currently serves in the regional assembly in Arusha, could soon take a more active role in Kenya’s domestic politics.
A Subtle Political Message
Raila’s passing has left a gaping hole in the country’s political landscape. In recent months, the late opposition leader had forged a working relationship with President Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement, ending years of fierce rivalry.
The President had also backed Raila’s unsuccessful African Union Commission chairmanship bid earlier this year — a move that many viewed as a sign of thawing political hostilities.
Analysts say Raila’s death is as much a personal loss for his family as it is a strategic setback for Ruto, who had relied on the ODM leader’s stature to help stabilise his administration following last year’s Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
“Long Live the Crown”
In her tribute, Winnie thanked Kenyans and leaders who had supported the family during the mourning period, promising to return later to personally express her gratitude.
She ended her remarks with her now-famous line:
“The king is dead, but long live the crown,” she declared, raising her fist. “God bless the republic, God bless Baba’s legacy.”
Her words drew a standing ovation from mourners who have come to view her as a symbol of resilience and continuity in the Odinga family.
The Making of a Political Heir
Winnie, 34, was elected to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in late 2022, a position she holds until 2027.
Her election, backed by both the National Assembly and Senate, marked her formal entry into elective politics.
Since Raila’s death in India from cardiac arrest, Winnie has stood out as a unifying presence — composed, visible, and vocal — amid the family’s grief.
Many supporters have quietly begun referring to her as the heir apparent to Raila’s legacy, though even they admit that his political shoes are nearly impossible to fill.
Raila Odinga, who shaped Kenya’s multiparty politics for over four decades, will be laid to rest later Sunday at the family home in Kang’o Kajaramogi, bringing the curtain down on a storied career that defined generations.
