Winnie Odinga Reflects on Final Moments with Late Father Raila

• Jan 28, 2026

EALA MP Winnie Odinga has shared her emotional reflections on the last days she spent with her father, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, January 27, Winnie described their private bond, the grief of losing him, and her determination to continue his legacy. She emphasized that the final conversations she shared with her father were deeply personal and not meant for public discussion.

“They were deeply personal and I feel it would be disrespectful to share them with the public. The night before he passed, we sat in his room for two hours discussing everything,” Winnie said. She also urged people not to attribute statements to Raila Odinga, noting that doing so would be disrespectful to his memory.

Winnie reflected on the professional and personal journey she shared with her father, revealing that she had worked closely with him for 15 years. She described their relationship as one of both challenge and respect, acknowledging that while they shared similarities, they also tested and pushed each other.

“For the last 15 years, I have worked at his side, no matter the dispensation. We were similar in many ways, but different in many ways too. We used to challenge each other and push each other,” she said.

On coping with her grief, Winnie said she is leaning on the support of her family. “Some days I am on a hill, some days I am in a valley. I have a good support system in my family. We meet almost every day and talk every time,” she explained.

She also expressed her commitment to carrying forward the vision of both her father and grandfather. “I want to honour my father’s legacy. I walked this journey with him for a long time. I want to continue improving the lives of as many people as I can and honour the vision he and my grandfather instilled in me,” Winnie said.

Addressing rumours of a family rift, Winnie dismissed claims that political disagreements have caused conflict within the Odinga family. She stated that family and political matters are kept separate, and that ODM leader Oburu Odinga fully supports her independence and opinions.

“There is no family feud. Party matters are not discussed at home, and our family is tight. We have no problems at all,” she added, stressing that her relationship with Oburu remains strong and unaffected by political debates.