Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga storm Kamukunji days after ODM meeting
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 18, 2026Winnie Odinga and Raila Junior drew a large crowd to Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, signalling the continued influence of the Odinga family in national politics and within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP arrived at the historic venue in the afternoon to cheers from thousands of supporters. Chants and slogans filled the grounds as speakers praised her father, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, and called for unity within the party.
The day began earlier in Kibra’s Makina area, where Winnie attended a church service at ACK Holy Trinity Parish. She arrived alongside her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, and Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto. During the service, Winnie spoke emotionally about returning to Kibra, an area closely associated with her family’s political life.
She told the congregation that she had delayed her return because of the emotional weight of coming back without her father by her side. She apologised to residents for taking time before re-engaging with the community and admitted she struggled with how to address them without becoming overwhelmed.
“Today, we have come back home. This is a place we have come all our lives. I would like to apologise for taking so long to come back. I was a bit troubled. I didn’t know how to come back to Kibra without Baba (Raila Odinga), I didn’t know how to talk to you, I thought I’d cry,” she told the congregation.
Her remarks drew a warm response from worshippers and set the tone for the rest of the day.
ODM loyalty takes centre
After the service, Winnie and her team moved to Kamukunji Grounds, where they launched a new ODM-aligned pressure group. Organisers said the group aims to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and protect the party’s founding ideals at a time of growing internal debate.
The launch attracted supporters from different parts of Nairobi, with crowd estimates running into several thousand.
Kamukunji Grounds has long served as a symbol of political mobilisation in Kenya. Over the years, Raila Odinga has used the venue for major rallies, protests, and key announcements. Supporters at Sunday’s event repeatedly referenced that history, saying the gathering reflected continuity rather than replacement.
Several attendees said the rally showed that the Odinga name still commands loyalty. Some ODM supporters said Winnie had inherited her father’s ability to connect with ordinary people and mobilise support. Others said her presence reassured members worried about the party’s direction.
The event came just days after another ODM consultative meeting at the same venue, led by party figures including Oburu Oginga. That earlier forum exposed divisions within the party, with some members criticising leadership decisions and alliances. Sunday’s rally appeared to respond to those concerns by emphasising loyalty to ODM’s traditional base and values.