Winnie Odinga is widely regarded as the most outspoken of the late Raila Odinga’s children.

Her powerful tribute on Friday, October 17, 2025, during his late father’s state burial at the Nyayo National Stadium left the internet abuzz with mnay expressing awe for her unique courage and resilience in the face of tragedy.

Born March 6, 1990, the youngest daughter (in Luo dialect Chogo) of the 52-year-old union between Raila and Ida Odinga, has occasionally shared insights into her family life, offering a rare glimpse into the Odinga family’s dynamics.

A case in point is her fond recollection of what she termed the first memories of her dad’s she alluded to some back in 2022.

Lessons from father

While offering an insider’s reflection of Raila’s busy life during his normative years in politics, Winnie recounted how his dad used to arrive home late, often while the children were asleep.

She described how Raila once took her to an NDP political rally and placed him on top of a tractor. A young Winnie, overtaken by fear of the crowd’s chants and the sheer numbers, recounted Dad’s reassuring words: “These are your people”.

The words she recalled impressed a lesson on her of her father’s sacrifices, a moment that also highlighted a facet of Raila’s influential role as a mentor.

Raila’s 2022 campaigns

The build-up to the 2022 elections also saw the daughter provide insights into Raila’s life. During the time, she also took an increasing role in Raila’s campaigns, serving as Raila’s personal assistant, crafting communication strategies and defending him fiercely against critics.

Following her election to the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) afterward, a development that sparked the debate about whether the move would birth her political career.

She, however, emphasised her desire to forge her own path, independent of her family’s legacy.

“I hear a lot of people talking about the political moves. They ask me, ‘Don’t you wish to run for office?’ But it’s exhausting. I certainly don’t feel his legacy should just end as if nothing ever happened. But I’m from a generation that has its own thoughts and ambitions,”

The interview amplified her independent and insightful mind.

That moment, coupled with a separate forum where she responded to claims of being pressured to get married, highlighted the compassionate side of her parents, and especially her mum, Ida.

In the interview, Winnie revealed that she had politely confronted her mum and cooled her down on the talks.

Through these glimpses, Winnie has demonstrated her character and the values instilled in her by her parents, affirming the adage that an apple never falls far from the tree.