Last week, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga celebrated his 81st birthday, marking the occasion with an announcement that he plans to step down from politics at the end of his parliamentary term in 2027. Oburu’s impending retirement has sparked discussions within the extended Odinga family about his successor, with growing indications that the next Siaya Senator is expected to come from within the influential Oginga family.
According to reliable sources, the Odinga family is keen on preserving its political legacy by ensuring that one of its members secures an elected position. Talks are reportedly underway within the family to decide who will take on Oburu’s leadership role.
One name that has emerged is Jaoko Oburu, Oburu’s son, who previously served as a County Executive Committee (CEC) member under former governor Rasanga Amoth. Jaoko currently holds the position of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Coordinator in the administration of Governor James Orengo. It is reported that Oburu has encouraged his son to pursue elective politics, but there are concerns that the senatorial seat may be too demanding for Jaoko.
Meanwhile, Winnie Odinga, daughter of ODM leader Raila Odinga and a current member of the East African Legislative Assembly, is reportedly the family’s favoured candidate to succeed Oburu. Sources suggest that Raila is inclined to have Winnie return to county politics as Siaya’s senator in 2027, with an eye on the gubernatorial seat in 2032.
As the Odinga family prepares to rally around Winnie’s candidacy for the Senate, Jaoko is expected to shift his ambitions toward the Bondo parliamentary seat, currently held by Dr. Gideon Ochanda. However, political observers in Siaya County question whether Jaoko has the strength to mount a serious challenge against Ochanda, who plans to run as an independent candidate.
Despite these doubts, the Odinga family’s considerable political influence in Bondo means that any family member would likely have a strong chance of defeating Ochanda or any other candidate.
Initially, it was rumoured that Rarieda MP Otiende Amolo was considering a run for the Siaya Senate seat following Oburu’s retirement. However, recent reports indicate that Otiende may instead remain in his current role and aim for the governorship in 2032. Speculation has also arisen that Winnie could run as Governor James Orengo’s deputy in 2027, positioning herself for the top county seat in 2032 after Orengo completes his second term.
Complicating the political landscape is the apparent rift between Orengo and Raila, stemming from disagreements over the formation of a broad-based government. Some insiders suggest that Raila may back either Otiende Amolo or Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi for the governorship in 2027, rather than continuing to support Orengo.
The growing divide between Raila and Orengo became more evident when Orengo skipped the recent ODM National Executive Council meeting in Mombasa, where Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o was appointed acting party leader. Orengo’s absence from ODM activities has reportedly displeased Raila and other party leaders, fueling speculation that Raila may shift his support toward Otiende or Wandayi as a counter to Orengo in the 2027 elections.
As Oburu’s retirement draws near, the political future of Siaya County appears poised for significant change, with the Odinga family at the centre of the unfolding drama.
