NAIROBI,Kenya Aug 4 – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Odinga Jr, has heightened speculation over his political future after holding a series of grassroots engagements in Kibra, where he told residents he has already begun planning for the constituency ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Although his recent activities have largely focused on Kibra, it remains unclear whether he intends to contest the Kibra parliamentary seat or seek election in Embakasi South ,both constituencies having featured in political speculation surrounding his possible entry into elective politics.
On Monday, Raila Jr met elders representing Kibra’s five wards Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang’ombe in what he described as consultations on the constituency’s future and community development.
“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 after the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Raila Jr suggested he was already looking beyond the election campaign and concentrating on how the constituency would be managed after 2027, saying the responsibility of ensuring his election lay with his supporters.
“I am already thinking about how to organise Kibra after the 2027 elections while you are thinking about voting. I am ahead of you. My concern now is planning for Kibra. Your concern should be ensuring I get there. I have already moved forward and started preparing,” he told the elders.
The remarks are among his strongest indications yet that he is positioning himself for elective politics, despite not formally declaring his candidature.
His outreach has extended beyond meetings with community leaders. Raila Jr recently held talks with members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, saying the discussions centred on shared ideas and the constituency’s future.
“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.
The renewed political activity follows an enthusiastic reception he received in Imara Daima in May, where hundreds of supporters lined the streets during his visit to a church service, temporarily disrupting business as crowds chanted pro-Raila slogans.
Raila Jr’s growing public profile has also revived discussion about the Odinga family’s succession politics ahead of the 2027 elections. Earlier political speculation had suggested that Raila JR sister,Winnie Odinga, was keen to vie for a parliamentary seat in the next General Election.
However, Raila Jr’s sustained mobilisation in Nairobi has added another dimension to the conversation over which member of the family could seek elective office.
