Raila Odinga Jr Declares Family’s Stance on 2027 Presidential Race
Raila Odinga Jr. has made a shocking and pivotal public declaration by assuring President William Ruto of the Odinga family’s unwavering support.
During a high-profile tour of Kibra on Tuesday, the newly installed family head broke his typical low-profile stance to endorse the head of state’s national development agenda.
Standing at the Raila Odinga Education Centre, Raila Jnr emphasized that the collaboration between the state and the institution is rooted in a shared vision for social mobility.
The timing of these remarks is particularly notable as the country continues to navigate the aftermath of the former Prime Minister’s passing on October 15, 2025. While internal friction has simmered within the Orange Democratic Movement regarding the longevity of the “Broad-based” government, the family’s public stance appears to favor stability and continuity.
“I would like to say thank you very much, Your Excellency and the government, for helping us here at Raila Odinga Centre because Baba believed education is the lifeline, it’s what grows people from poverty. And as Baba’s family, we believe that education is the most important thing to all of us here,” he said as per The Star.
“This is what uplifts us, so we say to Your Excellency, asante sana. Tumeshukuru kama watu wa Kibira, tunakukaribisha huku, uendelee kuja huku uendelee na maendeleo. Sisi watu wa Kibira tumeshukuru na tutakussuport.”
Honoring the Legacy of Education and Empowerment
The Raila Odinga Education Centre has long served as a beacon of hope in one of Nairobi’s most densely populated informal settlements. Established in 2016, the facility was designed to replace a dilapidated structure near a railway line, transforming into a modern environment equipped with digital resources and contemporary classrooms.
During the visit, President Ruto took the opportunity to inspect several key projects in the area, including the Soweto Kibera Affordable Housing Project. The President also commissioned a new 10-classroom block at Ayany Primary School, reinforcing the administration’s focus on urban renewal and educational infrastructure.
Navigating the Future of the Odinga Family Influence
Raila Jnr’s emergence as a vocal supporter of the administration comes at a time of transition for the Luo community and the broader political arena. Following his father’s burial in Bondo, he was installed as the family head in accordance with Luo cultural traditions. While his sister Winnie and other relatives like Oburu Oginga have navigated their own political paths, Raila Jnr’s latest move provides a clear indication of where the family’s primary allegiance currently lies.
The decision to back the President’s initiatives is expected to reverberate through the halls of Parliament and local assembly offices.
Pledging local support for ongoing initiatives, Raila Jnr has effectively bridged the gap between his father’s historical legacy and the current government’s policy execution.
