Raila Junior speaks to the congregation during a service at Cathedral of Praise Ministries International Church in Imara Daima, Nairobi on May 24, 2026.
Raila Odinga Junior has signalled a possible entry into elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election, days after declaring that he would no longer remain passive on political matters.
Speaking in Embakasi South on Sunday after attending a church service, Raila Junior, son of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, hinted at seeking support in the constituency instead of Kibra, one of his father’s political strongholds.
“As the youth, let us be strong. We will not go back. Stay with me and I will stand with you. As Baba’s son, I will be here with you if you accept me. I will now be coming here frequently,” he said.
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi (left) with Raila Junior during a service at Cathedral of Praise Ministries International Church in Imara Daima, Nairobi on May 24, 2026.
Raila Junior said leaders who understand the needs of young people are better placed to articulate their concerns and champion development projects.
His remarks came days after Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi urged him to consider vying for a political seat in 2027, saying Mr Odinga had laid the groundwork for him.
Embakasi South is currently represented by Julius Mawathe of the Wiper Patriotic Front.
Mr Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, who is also an MP at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), has indicated that she will be seeking an elective seat, which political analysts believe could be Kibra or Lang’ata.
At the same time, Raila Junior appealed to ODM leaders led by his uncle, Dr Oburu Oginga, to unite the party amid emerging divisions ahead of the next election.
He warned that factions linked to the “Linda Ground” and “Linda Mwananchi” camps risk weakening the party.
Members of the clergy pray for Raila Junior during a service at Cathedral of Praise Ministries International Church in Imara Daima, Nairobi on May 24, 2026.
“A divided house cannot stand. Even if you say that you have your rights, it should not divide us, and divide our people on the ground,” he said.
He called on Dr Oburu to consult ODM supporters across the country before critical decisions were made.
“Baba would have said let us have national dialogue. Now the party is divided, we have this side and the other side saying different things. We are saying no as a family. We are asking our leaders to come together and talk. Do not scatter this party that Baba created. Let us have dialogue,” he said.
Raila Junior also urged President William Ruto’s administration to address the rising cost of living and fuel prices, saying many Kenyans were struggling economically.
Last week, Raila Junior held an engagement with youth at Jacaranda Grounds, where he assured them that he would do what he could to escalate their grievances, including lack of employment, and ensure that their voices are represented in the ODM party.
Raila Junior previously came out to highlight the issue of lack of water for Kibra people, which he said was addressed by the Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company through its Managing Director, Martin Nang’ole.
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