Mama Ida Odinga celebrates her 76th birthday with her son Raila Jnr on August 24, 2026. /HANDOUTMama Ida Odinga has endorsed her son, Raila Odinga Junior, for the Kibra parliamentary seat, urging residents and local leaders to guide him if they have chosen to support his political ambitions.
Speaking on Monday during celebrations to mark her 76th birthday, Mama Ida said she had been approached by Kibra residents who cited the Swahili saying, “Mtoto wa simba ni simba", a lion’s cub is a lion, in reference to Raila Junior.
Raila Junior was present at the celebrations as Mama Ida called on Kibra leaders to take responsibility for mentoring him and ensuring he follows the right path in politics.
“Now you, Kibra residents, have come to me with other things. You are telling me that ‘Mtoto wa simba ni simba.’ If you have decided, then I don’t have much to say, but I put him in your hands. First of all, I put him in the hands of Kibra leaders. To all of you here, I leave my child in your hands,” she said.
“All of you who have come here at the front, I have given you my son. Take care of him, teach him and remind him. Many of you started with the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in 1992. Show him the way so that he walks in the right way and does the right thing.”
Mama Ida urged the younger politician to embrace clean and issue-based politics, urging him to win the support of voters through his ideas and what he can deliver rather than insults or violence.
“Run clean politics, not of insults, chaos or violence. It should be clean. Convince people with your words and what you can do for them,” she said.
Her remarks came as family, political leaders and members of the public gathered to celebrate her 76th birthday, with messages recognising her contribution to public life and the country.
On August 3, Raila Junior announced his bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat, telling residents that his focus is already on organising the constituency ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a meeting with Kibra elders, Raila Jnr said his supporters should concern themselves with ensuring his entry into elective politics while he concentrates on preparing for leadership.
"Mimi nafikiria vile kupanga ODM post 2027, na nyinyi mnafikiria vile kupiga kura. Nishaenda mbele yenu. Shida yangu ni vile napanga Kibra sasa. Shida yenu itakuwa vile nitaingia. Hiyo sio shida yangu. Mimi nishaenda mbele, nimeanza kupanga," he said.
Loosely translates to (I’m thinking of organising Kibera post 2027, and you are thinking of voting. I’m already ahead of you. My problem is how I organise Kibra now, and your problem is how I will enter there; that is not my problem. I have already moved forward, and I’m organising.
Raila Junior later said he met elders drawn from all five wards of Kibra Constituency: Laini Saba, Lindi, Makina, Woodley/Kenyatta Golf Course and Sarang'ombe to discuss the area's future.
"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.
He revealed that he recently met members of the Friends of Raila group at JOOF, describing them as familiar faces he has known for years.
"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.
