Mama Ida backs Raila Jnr bid for Kibra MP seat
Mama Ida Odinga has endorsed her son, Raila Odinga Junior, for the Kibra parliamentary seat, urging residents and local leaders to guide him
Mama 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.
Mobile money tops the number of online fraud cases reported in 2026
Former KAG pastor on trial for alleged defilement of his three children
No university degree will be required to run for office in 2027; IEBC
You are a juvenile politician, don’t overrate yourself – Mbadi to Babu Owino
Mudavadi declares 2032 presidential bid
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.
An autopsy reveals what killed a senior KCB official
Gachagua accuse Ruto, IEBC vice chair and Joho over plot to manipulate 2027 elections
Atwoli addresses claims of asking his estranged wife to move out of their home
Gachagua fires back at Ruto after the president said cannot work with him
