Mama Ida Endorses Raila Junior for Kibra MP Seat, Urges Clean Campaign
On her 76th birthday, Mama Ida Odinga endorsed her son Raila Junior for Kibra MP and called on local leaders to mentor him and promote issue-based politics.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 25, 2026
2 min read
Mama Ida Odinga officially endorsed her son, Raila Odinga Junior, as a candidate for the Kibra parliamentary seat during celebrations of her 76th birthday on August 25, 2026.
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Mama Ida revealed that Kibra residents had expressed support for Raila Junior, often citing the Swahili proverb "Mtoto wa simba ni simba" (a lion's offspring is a lion) to emphasize his political lineage.
Passing the Torch to Kibra Leaders
She entrusted Raila Junior to the guidance of Kibra’s community elders and leaders, many of whom have longstanding ties to the Odinga family dating back to the early 1990s.
"I leave my child in your hands," Mama Ida urged, appealing for mentorship to help shape his political journey.
Advocating for Clean, Issue-Based Politics
Mama Ida emphasized that her son's campaign should focus on positive engagement rather than conflict or insults.
"Run clean politics, not of insults, chaos or violence. Convince people with your words and what you can do for them," she stated.
The endorsement signals a strategic effort to continue the Odinga family’s legacy in Kibra, a key Orange Democratic Movement stronghold in Nairobi.
