Raila Odinga Jnr has declared Nairobi County as the foundation of his political career, moving to rally the communities that stood firmly behind his late father, Raila Odinga, as he begins his own journey into elective politics.
The son of the former Prime Minister has intensified engagements with residents across the capital, saying he wants to build on the relationships that shaped his father's political career while carving out his own leadership path.
His outreach has focused on communities that formed the backbone of Raila Odinga's support over the years, with Raila Jnr asking them to stand with him as he prepares for active politics.
For several months, Raila Jnr has been meeting different groups of residents at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation headquarters. The building also houses the office of his late father, who died last year, as well as the office of his grandfather, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
His latest engagement brought together community representatives from Kibra Constituency, where Raila Odinga served as Member of Parliament for more than 20 years. During the meeting, residents encouraged Raila Jnr to consider contesting the Kibra parliamentary seat, arguing that he was well placed to continue the political legacy built by his father.
Addressing the gathering, Raila Jnr called for unity among Kibra residents, saying the constituency should remain a place where all communities live and work together without being divided along ethnic lines.
“Kibra is home to people from all communities, and they should not be divided along ethnic lines. I have listened to them, and I will begin visiting them soon,” Raila Jnr said, as some residents urged him to contest the Kibra seat.
Apart from Kibra, there have also been growing calls for him to seek the Embakasi South parliamentary seat, where he has also received a warm reception during his engagements with residents.
Raila Jnr said his political agenda would be driven by inclusive leadership, adding that he intends to work closely with all groups in society to improve their welfare.
“I will work with everyone, including women, men, youth and persons living with disabilities, to improve the lives of our people. The health and education sectors are fundamental in building a strong society, and we will ensure they are strengthened,” he added.
He also assured residents that his office would remain accessible, saying members of the public were free to engage and consult the Odinga family on issues affecting their communities.
As part of his plans, Raila Jnr said he is preparing programmes that will focus on empowering young people, women and senior citizens in Kibra, Lang'ata and Embakasi South. The initiatives, he said, are aimed at improving opportunities and addressing challenges facing the three areas.
His decision to join active politics has already attracted support from several leaders, among them his uncle, Dr Oburu Oginga, who has backed his political ambitions.
With community meetings gaining momentum and calls for him to seek elective office growing louder, Raila Jnr is positioning himself to establish a political base in Nairobi while appealing to supporters who remained loyal to his father's leadership for decades.