Oburu responds amid political leadership succession speculation after Raila Junior’s installation
By Mabonga Makhanu, October 23, 2025Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has clarified that the installation of Raila Odinga Junior, the son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has no connection to political leadership.
Speaking ahead of the crowning ceremony held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in Nondo, Oburu explained that the installation, which saw Raila Junior crowned as the head of the Odinga family, was purely a family affair and had nothing to do with political leadership succession.
The event, held at Kango Ka Jaramogi four days after the burial of the late ODM leader, was also intended to mark the end of the mourning period, allowing the family to resume their normal lives after the passing of their patriarch.
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Oburu stated that the ritual was performed to empower Raila Odinga Junior to take charge of the family home under the guidance of his mother, Mama Ida Odinga, following his father’s demise.
He emphasised that the ceremony was designed to give Junior the “seat of power of the home”, not political power.
He further explained that Raila Junior would now assume leadership of the home under close supervision from his mother, urging him to remain firm and responsible.
“This ceremony is symbolically meant to give the son of my late brother, Raila Amolo Odinga, his son, Raila Junior, the seat of power of the home, not political leadership. Together with his mother, who will guide him and offer advice, he must stand firm,” Oburu said.
The senator called upon Raila Junior, who many view as a possible heir to his father’s legacy, to lead the home according to Luo traditions.
“He must stand firm and lead the home as per our culture. This is not political leadership but leadership of the home. The larger Odinga family, which I share and lead, still remains under my guidance,” Oburu added.
Shaving ceremony
The ceremony saw Raila Odinga Junior formally installed as the head of the Odinga home in a traditional ritual where he was shaved while seated on a stool, with his wife standing beside him. He was then handed a spear and shield, symbolising power, authority, and new responsibility within the family.
