It’s difficult living in a world without Raila, Winnie Odinga says

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has said that the Odinga family is still adjusting to life without former ODM party leader Raila Odinga.

The Legislator, who is also Raila’s lastborn daughter, described the period following his death as emotionally challenging and transformative.

While reflecting on Raila’s final months, Winnie said the transition had tested the family both personally and politically, adding that the loss had drawn the family closer.

“I’m doing as best as I can. It’s quite difficult living in a world without him, but I take it day by day. Some days I’m on a hill, other days I’m in a valley, but if I make it to a plateau I’m doing all right,” Winnie said during an interview at Citizen TV.

“We soldier on. I have a good support system, and my family is close together. We are supporting each other. Everyone in the family is settling into their new responsibilities. This has brought us together, and we are all trying our best.”

Winnie declined to disclose details of her final conversations with Raila, saying the exchanges were deeply personal.

She reflected on her political journey alongside Raila, Winnie noted their long working relationship.

“They were deeply personal, and I feel it would be disrespectful of me to share those conversations. Not every conversation we had was for public consumption,” she said.

“There are very many people who may now say that the party leader may have said this and that. I feel it is not incumbent on them to bring that to the forefront. I think it is disrespectful to the departed. For the last 15 years, I have worked at his side, no matter the dispensation. We were similar in a lot of ways, but in a lot of ways we were different. We used to challenge each other, we used to test each other and push each other,” she said.

The former Prime Minister died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.

Raila Odinga died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India.

He was laid to rest at his extended family home at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 19.

Raila played a central role in the country’s political history for more than four decades.

He served as prime minister between 2008 and 2013 and was a key figure in the push for constitutional reforms that culminated in the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

Following his death, the government accorded him a state funeral and posthumously awarded him the country’s highest civilian honour in recognition of his service to the nation.

Raila was described as a national icon whose legacy remains alive in the country’s democratic institutions and ongoing conversations about justice, equality and national cohesion.