Winnie Irmgard Odinga (born 1990), often called “Kazi” or “The Last Born of the Dynasty,” is the youngest daughter of the late Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga. Formerly her father’s most trusted political strategist and aide-de-camp, she has emerged as a high-stakes political force in her own right. As of January 11, 2026, she is navigating a dramatic transition from regional diplomacy to the frontline of Kenyan domestic politics.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Winnie Irmgard Odinga |
| Born | March 6, 1990, Nairobi, Kenya (Age 35) |
| Current Status | Ex-EALA MP; Leading voice of the ODM youth wing. |
| Education | Drexel University (Political Science & Communications) |
| Business | Founder of The BrickHouse Counsel (Consultancy) |
| 2027 Ambition | Widely tipped for a National Assembly seat (likely in Nairobi or Bondo). |
January 2026: “The King is Dead, Long Live the Crown”
The first weeks of 2026 have seen Winnie consolidate her position as the most vocal protector of her father’s political legacy following his passing in late 2025.
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EALA Resignation (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026): In a move that shocked the East African region, reports emerged in mid-December 2025 that Winnie had formally resigned from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) after serving three years. While her tenure was set to last until 2027, her exit is widely interpreted as a “strategic homecoming” to manage the brewing leadership crisis within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
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The “ODM is Not for Sale” Campaign: As of January 9, 2026, Winnie has been touring the country to address rumors of a merger between ODM and President William Ruto’s UDA. In a viral speech just days ago, she reiterated that the party was “born from protest and grew through resistance,” warning veteran leaders against “pillow talk” deals that would compromise the party’s independence ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Contradicting the Old Guard: Winnie has notably broken ranks with her uncle, Oburu Oginga, by demanding an early National Delegates Conference (NDC). While the “old guard” favors a continued soft alliance with the current government, Winnie is leading a faction that insists ODM must field its own presidential candidate in 2027.
The “Soldier” Daughter
Winnie’s ascent is not just due to her name, but her years of “combat” experience in her father’s campaigns:
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The Campaign Mastermind: During the 2022 elections, she was the director of operations for the Azimio la Umoja campaign, managing everything from digital media to her father’s grueling travel schedule.
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The “Driver” Persona: She gained national fame for often personally driving her father to high-stakes political rallies, symbolizing her role as his primary protector and confidante.
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International Strategist: Through her firm, The BrickHouse Counsel, she has worked on presidential campaigns across the African continent, bringing a sophisticated, data-driven approach to the traditional Odinga grassroots style.
2026 Outlook: The Road to 2027
As of early 2026, Winnie Odinga is no longer seen as just “Baba’s daughter” but as a serious contender for national leadership.
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The 2027 Seat: Political analysts expect her to run for a parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election. Her frequent appearances in Nairobi’s Lang’ata and Kibra areas, as well as her family’s ancestral home in Bondo, have sparked a “bidding war” among constituencies wanting her representation.
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The Youth Vote: With a massive social media following and a direct, uncompromising communication style, she has become the primary bridge between the legacy of the “Second Liberation” and the modern, digital-savvy Gen Z activists.