Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior, has asserted that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will play a decisive role in determining Kenya’s next president in 2027. His remarks delivered during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025, signaled strong confidence in ODM’s enduring national influence following the recent passing of its founding leader.
Addressing supporters, Raila Junior opened with a heartfelt message of gratitude, relaying warm greetings from Mama Ida Odinga. He expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support the Odinga family has received throughout the mourning period, noting that ODM members’ solidarity has provided immense comfort.
He acknowledged that life after Raila Odinga’s death has been challenging for the family, but said their presence at the anniversary was intentional. According to Junior, the family believed Raila would have wanted them to stand with the party at such a pivotal time.
Raila Junior commended ODM’s youth leadership for their commitment and extended special recognition to Senator Oburu Oginga for shepherding the party through a sensitive political transition.
Turning to the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, Junior delivered his strongest message of the day. He declared that ODM’s broad national reach, internal unity, and resilience will shape the outcome of the presidential race, maintaining that whoever wins in 2027 will do so because of ODM.
He also congratulated Senator Oburu Oginga for assuming the role of party leader, describing the move as a natural and stabilizing step for the movement. In a lighthearted moment, Junior told supporters that while Oburu would lead the party politically, domestic matters should still be directed to him at home.
Through his remarks, Raila Junior sought to reassure supporters that ODM remains strong, cohesive, and central to Kenya’s political future even in the absence of its founding figure.
