Odinga dynasty: What's next for the behemoth political empire?

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the graveside of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Opoda Farm, Kang'o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, on October 20, 2025. [Courtesy] It is an empire that has been at the heart of Luo Nyanza for more than five decades and has endured the test of time, bouncing back each time its future was at stake. The Odinga dynasty has been the constant feature in the region's political spine and a point of unity among the Luo community for several generations. Key political decisions for the community have all emanated from the Odinga family since Jaramogi Oginga thrust the family to the heart and minds of the community in the early 1950's. In the region, Jaramogi's word was law. Those he campaigned for won elective seats without breaking a sweat, while the community cheered his leadership. The same script would later replay in the life and times of his son Raila Odinga who was laid to rest on Sunday at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi. Just like his father (Jaramogi), Raila strengthened their political empire and transformed Opoda farm and Kang'o Ka Jaramogi into a political fortress where power and careers were built. During Raila's reign, politicians would scramble to have even his picture on their campaign posters, because aligning with him was almost a guarantee of a poll success. But that influence is now at stake. Some believe the dominance of the Odinga family of Nyanza politics could be approaching its sunset years with no clear heirs to Raila's political throne after he was laid to rest. As a temporary measure, all eyes are on Raila's elder brother Oburu Oginga, who has been picked to lead the ODM party in an acting capacity. Although a unifying figure that held the Odinga family together and was Raila's closest confidant, at 82, age is catching up with Oburu, and he is no longer the vibrant politician that once defended Raila with vigour. Questions abound whether he still has the strength to crack the electric and high-octane politics in Luo Nyanza. But ODM leaders have vowed to unite behind him. Raila's younger daughter, Winnie Odinga, has also hinted at the prospects of returning home to protect her father's legacy, but that remains to be seen. Although an experienced political operative after several years of watching her father's footsteps, Winnie has yet to throw herself into a competitive political contest in the country. Similarly, Oburu's two sons, Jaoko and Elijah Oburu, have yet to make a mark in the world of politics. They may need to come out of the shadows if they are to be part of the conversation of those keen to protect the Odinga empire. Raila inherited the throne in 1994 after the death of his father and expanded the scope of the Odinga empire, touching nearly every household and elective seat. During his time at the helm, no leader managed to successfully challenge the political hegemony that Raila assembled. But that influence of the Odingaism in Nyanza is now at stake. Constitutional lawyer James Mwamu believes that ODM will disintegrate into many formations. "Raila was the glue that held ODM together. Unless a new leader emerges from ODM, the party might have to disintegrate into other small political formations," he argues. On Sunday, ODM chair, Gladys Wanga, the chairman of Duol caucus, and Seme MP James Nyikal told mourners that the party would remain intact and urged residents to stay intact behind ODM. She also maintained that they would remain in government as per Raila's wishes. Ruth Odinga, Raila's younger sister is also leading the calls for a strong united ODM. But it remains to be seen if she can carry Raila's political torch forward and protect the Odinga legacy. Ruth is experienced in politics and currently serves as the Kisumu Woman Rep. "Raila told me the day before he died that ODM must be united and strong. We can't have another ODM being led by a few people and another faction on the other side who think they own the party," Ruth told mourners on Sunday. Additional reporting by Clinton Ambujo

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