Winnie Chogo Odinga (born March 6, 1990) is a Kenyan politician, communicator, entrepreneur, and EALA member representing Kenya. She assumed office in November 2022 after nomination by ODM and election by Parliament. From her political family roots to a recent national TV interview, Winnie has steadily built her own path in leadership.
Early Life and Family Background
Winnie Odinga was born into one of Kenya’s most prominent political families. She is the last born daughter of the late Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga, and the granddaughter of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya’s first Vice President.
Growing up with much older siblings, Winnie developed independence early. She often accompanied her father on political trips and campaigns, serving as his aide and assistant. These experiences gave her firsthand insight into politics, communication, and public service, shaping her leadership and civic sense from a young age.
Education and Professional Growth
Winnie attended Rusinga School in Nairobi for primary education and Brookhouse International School for secondary school. She moved to the United States to study and earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business and Corporate Communication from Drexel University in 2009. She returned to Kenya and completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi in 2016.
Her education gave her a strong foundation in business and political communication. After university, she worked closely with her father, managing logistics and campaign communications. In 2008, she founded The BrickHouse Counsel, a Nairobi-based strategic communications and consultancy firm. The company specializes in digital strategy, political branding, and campaign management. Her work spans governments, international organizations, and political campaigns across Africa, blending business skills with public service.
Political Career and EALA Leadership
Despite growing up in a political family, Winnie does not consider herself a traditional politician. She describes her work as a mix of politics, communication, technology, and public engagement. In 2022, she entered formal political office as one of Kenya’s youngest representatives in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
At EALA, Winnie contributes to regional policy-making, focusing on issues that affect youth, technology integration, and governance. Her work emphasizes inclusive leadership, regional cooperation, and the importance of policies that empower young people. Her approach reflects a modern understanding of politics, where communication, innovation, and public engagement are central to meaningful leadership.
Personal Life, Interests, and Public Image
Winnie has cultivated a strong presence on social media, engaging young Kenyans on empowerment, digital literacy, and leadership. She remains unmarried and has expressed the desire to find a life partner who is supportive, respectful, and confident.
She is passionate about technology, innovation, and youth empowerment. Her personal interests align closely with her public work, reflecting a commitment to modern, progressive leadership that addresses the evolving needs of Kenya’s young population.
Recent Developments and Legacy
Winnie’s career has gained significant attention following her recent national television interview on January 27, 2026. This was her first major appearance since the passing of her father. She spoke candidly about the challenges of living without him, describing the process as both emotional and motivating. She emphasized the importance of family support and highlighted the values her father instilled in her, resilience, integrity, and service to others.
During the interview, Winnie addressed rumors of conflicts within her family and political party, clarifying that relationships remain strong and that she values personal respect over political differences. She also reflected on her mother’s achievements, expressing pride in her diplomatic appointment and framing it as a continuation of the Odinga family legacy of public service.
Winnie further discussed party dynamics, noting challenges such as intimidation and the need for leaders to focus on the welfare of citizens rather than internal politics. She urged young people to engage actively in civic matters and embrace technology and innovation as tools for change.
Her leadership is defined by courage, authenticity, and a commitment to shaping Kenya’s political landscape in a modern context. Winnie Odinga embodies a new generation of leaders who combine family legacy, personal initiative, and strategic thinking to influence policy, empower youth, and advance regional integration. Her journey demonstrates that leadership today is about bridging tradition and innovation while speaking openly and responsibly in the public sphere.
