Raila Odinga Jr has vowed to carry forward the legacy of his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, by upholding the values and principles that defined his leadership and service to the nation.
Speaking after he was traditionally crowned as the leader of the former PM’s home, Raila Jr said his father’s teachings would continue to guide not only the family but also all those who shared his vision for a just and united Kenya.
“We thank our people for the peaceful day today as head of the home. May God bless you. We continue walking together as we remember how Baba guided us! We shall continue following the principles he loved and taught us,” he said.
Raila Jr expressed gratitude to Kenyans for standing with them following the death of his father, describing the support as a great source of comfort during the family’s mourning period.
He acknowledged the overwhelming show of solidarity from across the country and beyond, thanking friends, supporters, and leaders who had joined them in mourning.
“Thank you all for standing with our family during this unfortunate period. God bless you all,” he added.
Raila Jr’s remarks marked his first public statement since the burial of his father, signaling his readiness to take on a leadership role within the Odinga family, while committing to preserve his father’s enduring political and social ideals.
Speaking ahead of the installation, Senator Oburu Oginga clarified that it was not about politics or public leadership, but about preserving the sacred traditions that define the home and the family’s place in Luo culture.
“The seat of power in this home now rests with the new leader Raila Junior, together with his mother,” he declared.
“The mother will always be there to offer guidance and wisdom, but the young man must stand firm and lead this home. That is our culture.”
He explained that, as the family patriarch, he remained the overall cultural leader of the Odinga clan, a role he held even during the lifetime of the late family patriarch, just as his own father had before him.
This passing of the mantle, he said, was rooted in ritual and guided by time-honored customs.
According to Luo customs, the eldest surviving son traditionally takes over as head of the family after the father’s death — a role that carries spiritual, cultural, and social weight.
The event, steeped in song, dance, and sacred rites, was presided over by Siaya Senator and family patriarch Dr. Oburu Oginga.
