Mama Ida Odinga has officially endorsed her son, Raila Odinga Junior, for the Kibra parliamentary seat, urging local leaders and residents to guide and mentor him as he embarks on his political journey.
Speaking on Monday during celebrations to mark her 76th birthday, Mama Ida revealed that Kibra residents had approached her, citing the popular Swahili saying, “Mtoto wa simba ni simba” – a lion’s cub is a lion – in reference to Raila Junior.
A Mother’s Blessing – and a Call for Mentorship
With Raila Junior present at the celebrations, Mama Ida called on Kibra leaders to take responsibility for mentoring him and ensuring he follows the right path in politics.
“Now you, Kibra residents, have come to me with other things. You are telling me that ‘Mtoto wa simba ni simba.’ If you have decided, then I don’t have much to say, but I put him in your hands. First of all, I put him in the hands of Kibra leaders. To all of you here, I leave my child in your hands,” she said.
She further appealed to seasoned politicians who began their political journey with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 1992 to show Raila Junior the way.
“All of you who have come here at the front, I have given you my son. Take care of him, teach him and remind him. Many of you started with the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 1992. Show him the way so that he walks in the right way and does the right thing.”
A Call for Clean, Issue-Based Politics
Mama Ida urged her son to embrace clean and issue-based politics, warning against insults, chaos, or violence as campaign tactics.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Convince voters with ideas | ❌ Insults |
| ✅ Focus on what you can deliver | ❌ Chaos |
| ✅ Run a clean campaign | ❌ Violence |
“Run clean politics, not of insults, chaos or violence. It should be clean. Convince people with your words and what you can do for them,” she advised.
The birthday celebration was attended by family members, political leaders, and members of the public, with many acknowledging Mama Ida’s contribution to public life and the nation.
Raila Junior’s 2027 Kibra Bid
On August 3, 2026, Raila Junior officially announced his bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat, telling residents that his focus is already on organising the constituency ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with Kibra elders, Raila Junior made it clear that he is already thinking ahead:
“Mimi nafikiria vile kupanga ODM post 2027, na nyinyi mnafikiria vile kupiga kura. Nishaenda mbele yenu. Shida yangu ni vile napanga Kibra sasa. Shida yenu itakuwa vile nitaingia. Hiyo sio shida yangu. Mimi nishaenda mbele, nimeanza kupanga.”
Translation:
“I’m thinking of organising ODM post-2027, and you are thinking of voting. I’m already ahead of you. My problem is how I organise Kibra now, and your problem is how I will enter there – that is not my problem. I have already moved forward, and I’m organising.”
Engaging Kibra Elders and Supporters
Raila Junior later revealed that he met elders drawn from all five wards of Kibra Constituency:
| Ward |
|---|
| Laini Saba |
| Lindi |
| Makina |
| Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course |
| Sarang’ombe |
“We had a fruitful discussion on unity, community development, and the future of Kibra. I appreciate their wisdom and continued commitment to our community,” he said.
He also recently met members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, describing them as familiar faces he has known for years.
“It was great catching up, sharing ideas, and reflecting on our journey and the future of Kibra. The bond remains strong. The journey continues. Together, we move forward.”
What This Means for Kibra Politics
With Mama Ida’s endorsement and the backing of local elders, Raila Junior is positioning himself as a serious contender for the Kibra seat in 2027. His campaign is already mobilising supporters and engaging community leaders across all five wards.
Key takeaways:
- 🦁 Political dynasty: The Odinga family legacy continues with Raila Junior’s bid
- 🗳️ 2027 focus: Early organisation and community engagement are already underway
- 🤝 Elder support: Raila Junior has met elders from all Kibra wards
- 📢 Clean politics: Mama Ida has set the tone – issue-based, not violence-based
Conclusion
Mama Ida Odinga’s public endorsement of her son Raila Odinga Junior marks a significant moment in Kibra’s political landscape. With a clear call for mentorship, clean politics, and community engagement, the stage is set for what promises to be a closely watched contest in the 2027 General Election.
As Raila Junior himself put it: “The journey continues. Together, we move forward.”