Raila Odinga’s death ended a political era. It pushed his daughter, Winnie Odinga, into the spotlight. She had long stood beside her father. Now she stands at the center of Kenya’s political stage.
Her voice rose above thousands of mourners. She spoke with calm strength. “The king is dead,” she declared. “But long live the crown.” Her words carried weight. The crowd answered with chants and song.
She listed her father’s nicknames Tinga, Jakom, Nyundo, Baba. Each name told a story. She sang his favorite song, Jamaica Farewell. The crowd joined her.
Winnie carries more than a name. She carries the Raila brand. It lives in songs, chants, jokes, and hope. It is emotional, not institutional. The crowd does not chant “Odinga.” They chant “Baba.”
ODM has also named Oburu Odinga party leader. But the people still look to Winnie. Their loyalty is to the brand, not the title. This gives her power but not control. ODM has many veterans with their own ambitions. They will not hand over leadership easily.
Winnie must turn emotion into strategy. She can run for office and build a base. Or she can stay as a rallying symbol and hold the movement together. Kenya’s youth see something real in her.
The opposition has a vacuum. Raila’s shadow is long. Winnie does not need to build a movement. She only needs to keep it alive. The Raila brand also lives in the streets, not boardrooms. However, With a song, a phrase, or a hat, she can summon that energy.
Winnie stands at a crossroads. She can lead or inspire. Either way, she now carries a powerful story Baba’s story.
Also read: 17 gun salute as Raila Odinga laid to rest in Bondo
