East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has hinted at a possible return to local politics following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga.
Speaking during Raila’s final funeral service at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Siaya County on Sunday, Winnie openly addressed President William Ruto, thanking him for standing with their family during the mourning period.
“Your Excellency, our people appreciate you honouring our father. Thank you for standing with us,” she said. “You should also know, in case you are wondering, I’m ready to come back home.”
The remark, directed squarely at the President, drew cheers from the mourners, signaling what could be a new chapter in the Odinga family’s political journey.
Winnie Odinga’s Political Journey
Winnie Odinga’s regional political career began in late 2022 after she was elected by both the National Assembly and Senate to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
She was sworn in on December 19, 2022, in Arusha, Tanzania, for a five-year term that runs until December 2027.
Before joining EALA, Winnie had served as her father’s communications and campaign strategist during the 2022 general election, where she played a key role in digital strategy and youth mobilization within the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
A Possible Return to ODM and Local Leadership
Political analysts view her statement as a strategic signal that Winnie may be preparing to take on a more active leadership role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party her late father led for decades.
Her potential comeback could mark the continuation of the Odinga political legacy within Kenyan politics — a dynasty that spans generations from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga to Raila Odinga and now, possibly, Winnie Odinga.
