The Odinga family is strategically positioning itself for a significant role in Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with various members of this esteemed political dynasty pursuing elective seats across the nation.
Their political influence, cultivated over generations from the era of Kenya’s first Vice-President, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, remains robust, particularly in the Nyanza region.
In the wake of Raila’s passing in October 2025, focus has increasingly shifted to the next generation and the manner in which his political legacy will be upheld.
Several members of the broader Odinga family are actively seeking elective positions, defending their current seats, or emerging as key figures to watch as the elections approach.
Jaoko Oburu Odinga
One of the newest entrants into elective politics is Jaoko Oburu Odinga, the son of Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga. Jaoko has publicly announced his intention to contest the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, positioning himself at the heart of a competitive race for the county’s top position. His candidacy marks a pivotal moment, ushering a new generation of the Odinga family into county politics.
Jaoko brings valuable experience in public administration, having previously served as a county executive in Siaya. His candidacy holds particular significance as his father, Oburu, currently represents Siaya in the Senate and remains a key figure in the county’s political landscape. This gubernatorial race will serve as a critical test of the Odinga family’s enduring influence in its traditional stronghold.
Oburu Oginga
Oburu Oginga, Raila’s elder brother and current ODM party leader, serves as the incumbent Siaya Senator. Following his election to the Senate in 2022, after a previous tenure as a Member of Parliament for Bondo and a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, Oburu has stepped into a vital role in managing ODM in the aftermath of Raila’s death.
His political aspirations for 2027 have garnered significant interest, particularly amid ongoing discussions regarding ODM’s future and its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration. The political trajectories of Oburu and his son Jaoko will be closely monitored, as Jaoko’s gubernatorial bid could reshape the political dynamics in Siaya.
Raila Odinga Junior
Raila Odinga Junior is poised to make a significant entry into elective politics by vying for the Embakasi South parliamentary seat. In July, he formally declared his intention to contest this constituency in the 2027 General Election, sharing his plans with his uncle Oburu. This decision represents a crucial step for the late former Prime Minister’s son, who has largely remained outside of elective politics despite his involvement in his father’s political endeavors.
Raila Junior’s campaign will test the resilience of the Odinga name beyond its traditional political base in Nyanza. Currently represented by Julius Mwathe, he will need to mount a competitive campaign to secure the ODM ticket and ultimately win the seat. His entry has already sparked considerable political interest within Nairobi and ODM circles.
Ruth Odinga
Ruth Odinga, the younger sister of Raila and Oburu, has established herself within the realm of elective politics. As the Kisumu County Woman Representative, a position she secured in the 2022 General Election on an ODM ticket, Ruth has a proven track record. She previously served as Kisumu’s Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2017 before returning to elective politics.
While her specific plans for 2027 remain unannounced, her significant role within the Odinga family and ODM positions her as a key figure as the party prepares for the upcoming election. Her political experience ensures that the family maintains a strong presence in Kisumu, an area where the Odinga political brand has historically thrived.
Winnie Odinga
Winnie Odinga, Raila’s daughter, is another prominent family member whose political future is drawing attention. Currently serving in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) after being nominated in 2022, she has not yet confirmed her intentions for a 2027 Kenyan elective bid. Nevertheless, her increasing involvement in political matters and her visible role in discussions surrounding ODM and her father’s legacy ensure she remains in the political spotlight.
Winnie’s situation differs from that of Raila Junior and Jaoko, who have publicly declared their specific electoral ambitions for 2027.
A New Generation
The evolving political activities of the Odinga family signal a gradual transition to a new generation of leadership. Raila spent decades at the forefront of Kenya’s opposition politics, serving as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 and running for the presidency five times. The question of who will uphold his political legacy has emerged as a pivotal issue for ODM and the broader opposition following his death.
Oburu has taken the helm of party leadership, while younger family members increasingly step into the political arena. Jaoko’s gubernatorial bid and Raila Junior’s ambition for the Embakasi South parliamentary seat are particularly noteworthy, as both signify direct movements into elective politics.
Simultaneously, Oburu and Ruth’s continued holding of elective office ensures that the Odinga family retains an established political presence as the nation approaches the 2027 elections. For the Odinga family, this election will not merely focus on securing individual seats; it will also serve as an early indicator of whether the political influence associated with Jaramogi and Raila can be successfully transferred to a new generation.
