Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior, has stated that whoever becomes president in 2027 will be because of the ODM party, sending a powerful message of confidence in the movement’s political strength following the untimely passing of its leader.

Speaking during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations at the Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025, Raila Junior addressed party supporters with an emotional tribute, beginning by conveying warm greetings from Mama Ida Odinga.

He thanked ODM members for the overwhelming love and support they have shown the Odinga family throughout the mourning period, saying the compassion demonstrated by party loyalists has been deeply felt at home.

“I bring greetings from Mama Ida Odinga, and I want to thank the people of ODM for the love they have shown our entire family during this mourning period,” Junior said.

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Junior acknowledged that the weeks since Raila Odinga’s passing have been far from easy, but said the family deliberately chose to attend the anniversary because they believed Raila would have wanted them to stand with ODM during such a defining moment.

He congratulated youth leaders within the party and extended special recognition to his uncle, Senator Oburu Oginga, for his role in guiding the party through the transition.

“I would also like to congratulate the youth leaders and Senator Oburu Oginga. It has not been easy, but we know Raila would have wanted us to be here, and that is why we are here,” he told supporters.

Raila Junior then made his most emphatic statement of the day, asserting that the ODM party will be the determining force in the 2027 presidential election.

He said the party’s resilience, national presence, and unity will shape the political outcome, declaring that whoever becomes president in 2027 will be because of ODM.

“We are here to stand with you and to send a strong message that our party is still very strong. For 2027, whoever becomes president will be because of this party, ODM,” Junior said amid cheers.

The late Raila Odinga’s son further congratulated Oburu Oginga for assuming the position of party leader, describing it as a natural transition within the movement.

Injecting humour into the emotional moment, he told supporters that while Oburu would lead politically, all domestic matters should still be brought to his home for direction.

“The last thing I want to say is congratulations to Uncle Oburu for becoming the party leader. At home, I am the leader, but politically, Oburu is the leader. All other matters, especially domestic ones, should come to my home and be addressed to me,” Junior said.