Raila Odinga Junior’s campaign for the Kibra parliamentary seat has received a public boost from his mother, Mama Ida Odinga, who has asked residents and local leaders to take charge of guiding him as he seeks to build his political career in the constituency.
Mama Ida spoke on Monday during celebrations to mark her 76th birthday, where she revealed that some Kibra residents had approached her over her son’s political plans.
She said the residents referred to the Swahili saying, “Mtoto wa simba ni simba”, a lion’s cub is a lion, while making their case for Raila Junior to seek the Kibra seat.
Raila Junior was present during the celebrations when his mother told Kibra leaders that they should help him understand the constituency and advise him as he takes his first steps into elective 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 specifically called on leaders who have been involved in politics alongside former Prime Minister Raila Odinga since 1992 to use their experience to guide his son.
“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.”
Mama Ida further asked Raila Junior to keep his political approach peaceful and focused on issues affecting voters. She said he should seek support by explaining his plans and showing what he can do for the people rather than relying on insults, chaos or 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 said.
The remarks were made as relatives, political leaders and members of the public joined Mama Ida for her 76th birthday celebrations, where speakers acknowledged her role in public life and her contribution to the country.
Raila Junior announced on August 3 that he would seek the Kibra parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election. He made the announcement while meeting elders from the constituency, saying he was already looking ahead and preparing for his political entry.
"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," he said.
He loosely explained the remarks as saying that while residents were thinking about voting, he was already focused on organising Kibra after 2027 and preparing himself for the next stage.
Since announcing his plans, Raila Junior said he had engaged elders representing each of Kibra’s five wards — Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang'ombe.
He said the meeting gave them an opportunity to discuss unity, development and what lies ahead for the constituency.
"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.
Raila Junior also spoke about a meeting with members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, describing the gathering as a reunion with people who have been familiar to him for many 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," he said.