In the wake of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, political analyst Herman Manyora has urged his widow, Mama Ida Odinga, to emulate the political conduct of Mama Ngina Kenyatta following the death of Kenya's first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, in 1978.

Speaking during an interview on his channel on Monday, October 20, 2025, Manyora emphasised that given Raila Odinga's significant political stature, the Odinga family should adopt a similar strategy to the Kenyatta family by remaining cautious, firm, and discreet in political matters.

Manyora specifically highlighted Mama Ngina's handling of the transition to multiparty democracy, noting her silence, caution, and measured firmness. He suggested that studying her approach could help the Odinga family maintain political influence, drawing a parallel to how the Kenyatta family eventually saw Uhuru Kenyatta ascend to the presidency.

The political analyst cautioned that Mama Ida taking public political positions could risk damaging Raila Odinga's legacy. He explained that openly supporting or opposing President William Ruto, for instance, could have negative implications. Manyora's advice is for the Odinga family to remain guarded and avoid overt declarations of political allegiance, much like the Kenyatta family did.

“If they want to play within the context of Kenyan politics, given who their person was, they should do like Mama Ngina Kenyatta and just study Mama Ngina from 1978, when Mzee Jomo Kenyatta died. Let them just study,” Manyora stated.

He further elaborated, “The silence, the caution, the firmness, the families – when that was called for, when a decision arrived at with a multi-party democracy, what role did the Kenyatta family play? How they went and how finally, even Uhuru became president.”

Regarding the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Manyora advised the Odinga family to refrain from issuing public statements about the party's leadership or succession. He believes that politics can be conducted quietly and strategically, rather than through public declarations.

Historical and Political Context

Raila Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics for over three decades, served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and was a prominent advocate for multiparty democracy. His death has left a significant void, particularly within the ODM, which he led since its founding in 2005. The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has since named his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, as interim leader.

Mama Ngina Kenyatta, widow of Kenya's first President Jomo Kenyatta, maintained a largely discreet public profile after her husband's death in 1978. Despite her retreat from direct public duties, she was acknowledged as a powerful figure, wielding significant influence behind the scenes, particularly during her son Uhuru Kenyatta's political career. Her influence was notably seen in brokering political alliances and supporting her son's presidential campaigns.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The transition of leadership within political parties, especially after the demise of a long-serving leader, often presents challenges in adherence to party constitutions and national electoral laws. The ODM's swift appointment of an interim leader reflects an effort to maintain stability and prevent internal schisms.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Political analyst Herman Manyora, based at the University of Nairobi, is known for his insights into Kenyan political dynamics. His counsel to Mama Ida Odinga underscores a common observation in Kenyan politics where families of prominent leaders often navigate a delicate balance between public life and preserving their legacy. The Odinga family, including Raila's children Winnie and Raila Odinga Junior, have been prominent during the mourning period.

Evidence/Data Box

• Raila Odinga's Political Career: Served as Prime Minister (2008-2013), five-time presidential candidate, and leader of ODM since 2005.
• Mama Ngina Kenyatta's Role: First Lady of Kenya (1964-1978), maintained significant behind-the-scenes influence after Jomo Kenyatta's death.
• ODM Interim Leadership: Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga appointed interim party leader on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, following Raila Odinga's death.

Risks and Implications

The advice for Mama Ida Odinga to adopt a low political profile aims to mitigate potential risks to Raila Odinga's extensive legacy. Public political endorsements or opposition could inadvertently align the family with specific factions, potentially alienating a broader base of supporters who revered Raila across political divides. The succession within ODM also carries implications for the 2027 general election, with differing views within the party on its future alignment.

Uncertainties and Controversies

The question of who will ultimately inherit Raila Odinga's multimillion-vote bloc and lead the ODM remains a key uncertainty. While Dr. Oburu Oginga has been named interim leader, the party faces internal jostling, particularly between older and younger generations of leaders, regarding its future direction and relationship with the current government.

What to Watch

The political landscape will closely watch how Mama Ida Odinga and the broader Odinga family navigate their public roles in the coming months. The internal dynamics of the ODM, particularly the eventual succession plan and its stance towards the government, will also be a critical area of observation as the country approaches the 2027 general election. The influence of various factions within ODM, including those advocating for continued collaboration with the government and those pushing for an opposition role, will shape the party's trajectory.