- Former ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, is survived by three children: Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior, and Winnie Odinga
- Each of them vowed to honor and carry on their father’s legacy in their own unique way during the last respects at the national funeral.
- His daughter-in-law, Winnie, remains seen as poised to take up political office, especially given her current role as an MP.
The country of Kenya mourned the death of the former prime minister and ODM leader, Raila Odingawho passed away on Wednesday, October 15, after suffering a heart attack while in India.
Source: Facebook
The legendary politician was walking with his daughter when he died.
According to the cardiologists who treated him, they tried their best but despite the efforts of the ICU, he could not survive.
His death left a darkness in the nation with great sadness, and his family seemed to be deeply saddened, from the time the news reached them until the last respects of the national funeral on Friday, October 17.
In this article, TUKO.co.ke focuses on the children who are now needed to carry on the ODM leader’s legacy: Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Junior, and Winnie Odinga.
1. Rosemary Odinga
Rosemary, Raila’s eldest daughter, was born in 1977, after his first son, Fidel Odinga, who died in 2015.
At one time, he expressed interest in entering politics, allegedly desiring the Kibra parliamentary seat, but his political dreams were put on hold due to health challenges.
Rosemary was left with great grief and was not afraid to show her grief in public.
When Raila’s body arrived at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Thursday, October 16, he was seen crying along with his mother and sister.
Source: Facebook
In a national funeral, Rosemary she remembered with emotion how her brother, Junior, had told her about their father’s death.
In his emotional tribute, he vowed to carry on his legacy, saying:
“I will always honor your legacy. I will carry your memory and values, and I promise to live a life that will make you proud. Everything I do, I will do for you.”
Source: Facebook
2. Raila Odinga Junior
Born in 1979, Raila Junior is the third child in the Odinga family.
Her childhood was shaped by difficult years when her father was in prison, which limited their time together.
Following the death of his father, Junior remained silent on social media but appeared in public a few times with his mother, Ida Odinga.
Source: Facebook
At that time, sadness was visible on his face, especially when he saw his father’s body at the Kasarani Stadium and later in the Parliament Buildings.
At all events, he was seen making farewell gestures to honor his father’s life and legacy. In his emotional tribute, Junior vowed to carry on his legacy, saying:
“I will continue to fight for the values he believed in: justice, equality, and service to others. I am aware that after my brother Fidel died, I am still the master of the family. Father, I want to make sure that I will ensure that our family, Mother, Rosie, Winnie, and the big political family you left behind, are given asylum.
Source: Twitter
3. Winnie Odinga
Born in 1990, Winnie is the youngest child of the Odinga family and is currently a Member of Parliament for the East African National Assembly (EALA).
He is widely seen as the most political child of Raila’s children and has often accompanied his father to major events.
Source: Facebook
Winnie was with her father in India at the time of his death and later said she died in his arms.
Since then, he has been at the forefront of ensuring his legacy is maintained.
From carefully guarding his fedora hat white during the repatriation of his remains to his emotional farewell at the Parliament Buildings, Winnie showed the courage required of Raila’s successor throughout the mourning period.
He was seen kissing his father during a funeral service in Parliament and later inspired mourners at a national funeral with one of the most powerful tributes offered on the day.
At one point, he stopped his speech to lead mourners to sing Raila’s favorite song, Jamaica Farewellbefore ending with the words:
“A big part of me died on October 15, 2025, but the spirit of the lion continues to roar forever. The king is dead, but the crown lives forever.”
Source: Facebook
Allegations continue about the possibility of Winnie taking over her father’s political role, after working closely with him during the 2022 General Election and his bid for the chairmanship of the African Union.
Source: Facebook
What you should know about the national funeral of Raila Odinga
Mother Ida Odinga recalled how she and her late husband planned the names of their children.
Raila’s brother, Oburu Oginga, left mourners momentarily speechless after he was seen wearing an outfit very similar to Raila’s signature style.
Oburu also entertained the sad mood after having two wives and humorously explained why he married his second wife.
Did William Ruto sing Raila’s favorite song?
TUKO.co.ke also reported that the President William Ruto he led mourners to sing Raila’s favorite song, Jamaica Farewellduring his honor.
The song blew fast, while the former President Uhuru KenyattaGovernor Wavinya Ndeti, and Senator Ledama Olekina seen dancing happily.
President Ruto then clarified the meaning of the lyrics of the song due to the death of Raila.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
