Symbolic Gestures at a Political Epicenter

Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, paid a high-profile visit to Mama Ida Odinga at the family’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County. The visit, described by the legislator as a mission to pay respects and comfort the family, comes just over a month after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics whose passing has created a significant political vacuum.

During the visit, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, East Africa Time, Mr. Owino presented Mrs. Odinga with a Holy Bible and an offering of bulls. In a statement posted on his social media accounts, the MP described the Bible as a “sacred guide to illuminate her path, strengthen her spirit, and offer light through every turn of her journey.” He further explained the bulls as a “traditional gesture of honour” and a “timeless symbol of respect” for the Odinga family. Before meeting with Mrs. Odinga, the lawmaker also paid his respects at the gravesite of the late Mr. Odinga at Kang'o ka Jaramogi, a place he noted was rich in “history, legacy, and honour.”

A Path Worn by Political Heavyweights

Mr. Owino’s journey to Bondo is not an isolated event but the latest in a procession of political figures making their way to the Odinga family home. Since Mr. Odinga's death on October 15, 2025, Opoda Farm has transformed into a critical stage for political signaling and future positioning. Notable visitors have included Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Roots Party Leader George Wajackoyah, and a significant delegation of Gusii leaders led by former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang'i. These visits, while framed as condolence calls, are being closely watched by analysts as indicators of emerging alliances and succession strategies within the opposition. Mr. Musyoka's visit, for instance, evolved from a solemn tribute into a highly charged political event, with speeches focusing on coalition unity and future leadership.

ODM's Future and Owino's Ambitions

The visit's timing is particularly significant given the internal dynamics of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In the wake of its leader's death, the party is navigating a sensitive transition period. Just weeks prior, on October 30, 2025, Mr. Owino held a crucial meeting with the acting ODM party leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, aimed at quelling internal tensions and strengthening party unity. Dr. Oginga publicly acknowledged Mr. Owino as a symbol of the youth's “vibrant energy and determination,” assuring him of a promising future within the party. This endorsement came amid speculation about Mr. Owino's gubernatorial ambitions for Nairobi in 2027 and concerns within his camp about securing the party's nomination.

Mr. Owino, a vocal and often controversial politician, has positioned himself as a potential heir to Mr. Odinga's political base, particularly among the youth. However, this ambition has reportedly caused friction with some established party leaders. His visit to Mama Ida, a figure of immense influence and respect within the ODM fraternity and the nation, can be interpreted as a strategic move to affirm his loyalty to the Odinga family legacy while simultaneously cementing his own political stature. The carefully chosen gifts—one spiritual, one traditional—resonate deeply with cultural and social norms, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the symbolism required in Kenyan politics. As the nation's political landscape continues to shift, the path to Opoda Farm is likely to remain a barometer of loyalty, ambition, and the future direction of Kenyan leadership.