EALA MP Winnie Odinga says she wants to build on her late father Raila Odinga’s political relationships rather than inherit the rivalries that shaped his long career.
The outspoken lawmaker said she hopes to meet former President Uhuru Kenyatta and President William Ruto for advice as she finds her own footing in Kenya’s political landscape.
Speaking during an interview with a Nigerian YouTuber and journalist aired on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Winnie said she had made peace with the idea of inheriting her father’s friends while avoiding political enmities.
“I don’t have beef with anybody. I don’t have a mortal enemy. I’ve not inherited enemies,” she said.
Winnie said she would welcome an opportunity to sit down with Ruto and seek his advice on navigating politics, while also expressing interest in meeting other leaders across the political divide.
“I’d love to sit with President Ruto for advice. I would love to meet and sit with everybody,” she said.
Her comments signal an approach focused on maintaining relationships across Kenya’s often divided political landscape, even as she develops her own political identity following the death of her father.
On Uhuru, Winnie acknowledged that the former President had taken a step back from frontline politics but said she would still value an opportunity to engage him.
“He’s sort of taken a backseat from front-row politics,” she said, while noting that she was unsure of how involved he currently wanted to be.
Winnie also spoke about plans for a memorial to honour her father in Bondo. She said a committee had been formed to organise the event, which will combine traditional and religious ceremonies.
Rather than a sombre occasion, Winnie said the family wants the memorial to celebrate Raila’s life and legacy.
“We want it to be a celebration of the life,” she said.
She noted that Raila’s preference for a swift burial, as provided for in his will, was consistent with his approach to funerals and his dislike of prolonged mourning.
The planned memorial will come as the family continues to reflect on Raila’s legacy, with Winnie indicating that her focus is on preserving the relationships he built while pursuing her own path in politics.