Oburu and Raila (L). The Odinga's have been in elective politics for decades. [Photo: Zipo.co.ke]
The Kenyatta’s, Moi’s and Odinga’s have been in every election since the advent of multiparty Kenya.These families have been the prominent figures for decades and who also ran for various elective positions in the August 8 General Election.One notable occurrence though is that from all these, the Odinga family seems to have performed dismally with none making it in the just concluded election. It is yet to be seen what will happen after the Supreme Court determines Raila Odinga’s petition challenging the election of Uhuru Kenyatta.The Moi’s did well with the two brothers retaining their seats while the Kenyatta’s have the luminary Uhuru awaiting the outcome after the challenge to his election.It seems like the Odinga dynasty is coming to an abrupt halt after those who were running for office were floored by their challengers in the party primaries or in the August election. Raila’s brother Oburu was felled during the ODM nominations in Bondo Constituency while former Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo who is related to the Odingas also met the same fate. Ousted Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma was deputised by Raila’s sister Ruth. Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o who was declared the winner seems to have cut short Ruth’s ambitions.Under Raila, his daughter Rosemary who endeared herself to many during the burial of her brother Fidel seems to have faded from the limelight by shelving plans to vie for the Kibra parliamentary seat due to poor health.
Rosemary was hospitalised for the better part of the campaign period which also reduced her visibility in politics.
And so this begs the question, is the Odinga dynasty ending or will there be a stump that will sprout?