By Billy Mijungu
The foundational Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family appears to have mastered the art of playing the short, medium and long game. At the pinnacle of this political architecture stands Mama Ida Odinga, Min Piny herself, whose position evokes elements of the Kenyatta family model, but with an even wider reach, extensive experience and networks built over decades.
The message is simple: the Odingas are not going away. They are repositioning.
The starting point was the memorial celebration of Raila Odinga. Friends, political allies, perceived enemies and people from across the political divide were invited. It was a deliberate demonstration of openness, keeping channels of communication alive with virtually everyone. To some, this may have been uncomfortable, particularly those who had enjoyed a privileged association with Raila. But politics is rarely about sentiment alone. It is about relationships, options and the preservation of influence.
The gathering also served as a political temperature check. It offered an opportunity to test the ground, read the mood and assess the possibilities ahead. One emerging proposition is that Luo voters are not permanently attached to any individual or political formation. Their ultimate allegiance may depend on principle, political direction and the interests they believe are at stake. Many may remain inclined towards the opposition, particularly those dissatisfied with the excesses of the government. Yet the decisive factor will be how the political choices of the coming elections align with their expectations.
The ODM succession question
The Jaramogi family remains firmly positioned at the centre of the Orange Democratic Movement, with Oburu Oginga occupying a pivotal role. The longer-term question is succession, and the visibility of his sons in public life suggests that the family is keen to preserve its political presence across generations.
Within Raila Odinga’s immediate family, the same question of continuity arises. It would not be surprising if members of the Odinga family featured prominently among ODM’s parliamentary nominees and electoral candidates. Rosemary Odinga is one name that could attract attention, alongside other family members who may seek opportunities at the county and national levels.
This is not necessarily a declaration of entitlement. It is a recognition that political families with established networks, loyal constituencies and institutional influence often find ways to remain relevant long after the departure of their most prominent figures.
The light, therefore, may change in intensity, but it is unlikely to disappear quietly.
Raila Junior, Winnie and the politics of positioning
Raila Junior’s political future is another interesting prospect. Kibra could emerge as a possible arena for his ambitions, although the route he chooses remains uncertain. If he decides to pursue an elective position, the ODM platform may offer the most natural starting point, given the family’s historical association with the constituency and the party.
Winnie Odinga presents a different political calculation. Her future may lie increasingly within the opposition, but hers appears to be a longer game: not merely joining an existing political formation, but positioning herself for eventual leadership at the highest level.
For Winnie, the challenge is how to retain an independent voice while building alliances with the younger generation of opposition leaders.
Joining one of their parties without a distinct political platform could limit her ability to shape the national conversation. A separate political vehicle, led by her but capable of working within a broader opposition alliance, could offer a different route.
That remains a political possibility rather than a settled destination. But if her ambition is ultimately to reach the pinnacle of national leadership, the choices she makes now will matter enormously.
Firmly in government, influential in opposition
There is an apparent paradox in the Odinga family’s current positioning. While the family retains deep historical connections with ODM and its opposition tradition, Mama Ida’s public standing and political relationships place the family within the wider networks of government influence.
This is where the strategy becomes particularly interesting. Political influence does not always require exclusive allegiance to one side. Sometimes, the strongest position is to maintain access to government while preserving the relationships, structures and political identity that can sustain an alternative power base.
The Odinga family appears well placed to pursue precisely this kind of balancing act. They can remain relevant to government, influential within ODM and connected to emerging opposition formations.
In Kenyan politics, that is a considerable advantage.
Ruth Odinga and the Kisumu governorship
Then there is Ruth Odinga.
If there is a political figure whose administrative and leadership potential deserves closer scrutiny, Ruth is one of them. A possible bid for the governorship of Kisumu County would place her abilities under a much brighter spotlight.
She is often discussed through the lens of her family, yet the more important question is what she could bring to county leadership in her own right. Governing Kisumu would require administrative competence, political maturity, fiscal discipline and the ability to translate public expectations into measurable development.
If she enters the race and demonstrates these qualities, she could surprise many observers. She has the potential to become a consequential county leader, although that outcome would depend on her performance, the electoral contest and the strength of her development agenda.
Kisumu, therefore, could become another important theatre in the wider story of the Odinga political legacy.
The long game
The classic Jaramogi family is not simply defending a legacy. It appears to be navigating a transition across generations, institutions and political alliances.
Mama Ida represents continuity and networks. Oburu anchors the family’s relationship with ODM. Raila Junior may explore an electoral pathway. Winnie could pursue a broader national leadership project. Ruth may turn her attention to county governance. Other family members could emerge through party structures, nominations and elective contests.
These possibilities should not be mistaken for guaranteed outcomes. Kenyan politics is fiercely competitive, and family names alone cannot secure elections or guarantee effective leadership. Voters retain the final word.
Nevertheless, the political architecture is worth watching.
The Odingas may be present in government corridors, party headquarters, parliamentary contests, county politics and opposition negotiations, sometimes simultaneously and sometimes through different family members pursuing different objectives.
The conclusion is unmistakable: the Jaramogi family is playing across several political timelines at once.
Short game. Medium game. Long game.
You will see them everywhere.
And perhaps that is the most enduring lesson of the Odinga political story: a legacy survives not merely because it is remembered, but because each generation finds a way to reposition it for the next contest.
