Khalwale: Raila named his daughter Rosemary as his successor
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 22, 2025Boni Khalwale has stated that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had identified his daughter, Rosemary Odinga, as his preferred successor.
Speaking on a local TV station on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Khalwale revealed that people who knew Raila Odinga very well were not allowed to speak during his funeral.
He dismissed ongoing narratives suggesting that Raila Odinga Junior was the chosen successor, saying that both Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga were possible heirs to their father’s political legacy but Rosemary had once been the frontrunner.
Khalwale explained that after the death of Raila’s eldest son, Fidel Odinga, Raila had encouraged Rosemary to prepare to contest for the Kibra parliamentary seat, as Junior had little political appeal at the time.
Kibra rally
Khalwale recalled taking Rosemary to Kibra for her maiden rally at Kamukunji Grounds, a symbolic venue within the constituency. Shortly afterwards, Rosemary fell ill and was flown to South Africa for treatment, where Raila frequently visited her in the hospital.
“Like I can comfortably, without fear of contradiction, confirm to Kenyans that Baba’s choice amongst his children for who would succeed him after Fidel died, Raila told Rosemary to prepare to become the MP of Kibra. Raila Junior was not winning. And I took her to Kibra in her maiden rally at Kamkunji Grounds, which is very symbolic in the Kibra constituency.” Khalwale said.
Khalwale expressed sadness at how Rosemary’s illness had affected her, saying she was once vibrant, intelligent, and well-spoken – traits that positioned her as a potential successor to her father.
Rosemary Odinga’s health challenges
He added that her health challenges had unfortunately cut short her political ambitions but insisted that people living with disabilities still have opportunities to contribute meaningfully to governance under the Kenyan Constitution.
He noted that despite her physical challenges, Rosemary could still play an active role in national politics, just like other leaders living with disabilities who have made significant political contributions.
However, he observed that political engagement did not appear to be Rosemary’s current focus.
As the succession debate continues to take shape, Raila’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga, has vowed to return from her role at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and participate in local politics.
Rosemary Odinga had previously experienced temporary vision loss in 2017 due to a brain tumour and aneurysm but later regained her eyesight after successful Ayurvedic treatment in India.