Winnie Irmgard Odinga is a well known Kenyan politician and strategist. She serves as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, or EALA. Born on March 6, 1990, she is now 35 years old in 2025. She is the youngest child of the late Raila Odinga, who was a major leader in Kenya’s opposition politics, and Ida Odinga, a strong advocate for women’s rights. Winnie often goes by the nickname Kazi, which means work in Swahili. This name fits her busy life in politics and business.
Winnie comes from a family with a long history in Kenyan leadership. Her father, Raila, served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and ran for president many times. He passed away on October 15, 2025, at age 80 due to cardiac arrest while in India for treatment. Her grandfather, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was Kenya’s first Vice President after independence in 1963. This family background has shaped Winnie’s path. She started as a helper in her father’s campaigns and grew into a key figure in regional politics.
Today, Winnie focuses on youth issues, better trade in East Africa, and strong governance. She represents a new group of leaders who mix modern ideas with family traditions. Her story shows how one person can rise in a tough political world. Readers can learn from her about hard work, family ties, and public service. This biography will cover her life step by step to help you understand her journey.
Early Life
Winnie Odinga was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 6, 1990. She grew up in a home full of political talks and community events. Her parents, Raila and Ida Odinga, raised her with values of justice and service. Raila was often busy with opposition work, fighting for fair elections and rights. Ida, her mother, worked as a teacher and supported women’s causes. Winnie’s name comes from Winnie Mandela, a fighter against apartheid in South Africa. At age 11, Winnie read a book about Winnie Mandela, which inspired her.
She has three siblings. Her oldest brother, Fidel Odinga, passed away in 2015 at age 41. He was involved in business and politics too. Then there is Rosemary Odinga, who has faced health challenges but stays active in community work. The youngest brother is Raila Odinga Junior, who also helps in family political efforts. Winnie is much younger than her siblings, so she sometimes felt like an only child. This gave her close bonds with her parents.
Growing up, Winnie saw protests and campaigns firsthand. The Odinga family belongs to the Luo community, known for strong traditions and leadership roles in Kenya. Her grandfather Jaramogi set the stage by opposing colonial rule and later one party systems. These stories taught Winnie about resilience. She learned to speak up for what is right. In her early years, she enjoyed family time in Nairobi and Kisumu, where the family has roots. This mix of city life and cultural ties built her character. Today, after her father’s death in 2025, Winnie honors this background by continuing his work.
Education
Winnie Odinga started her schooling in Nairobi. She went to Rusinga School for primary education. This school focuses on creative learning and skills. After that, she attended Brookhouse International School for secondary studies. Some reports mention other schools like Consolata or St. Andrews Turi, but Brookhouse is the main one noted. There, she learned subjects like math, science, and languages. She also joined activities that built her confidence.
For higher education, Winnie moved abroad. She studied at Drexel University in the United States, where she earned a degree in communications or international business. This time away helped her see global views on politics and trade. She returned to Kenya and got a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, from the United States International University in Nairobi in 2016. Her studies covered topics like strategy, leadership, and economics.
These years formed her thinking. Books on leaders like her namesake inspired her. She mixed Kenyan experiences with ideas from abroad. This blend helps her in politics today. Education gave her tools to communicate well and plan ahead. It also showed her the value of youth in change. Winnie often says learning never stops. Her path encourages young people to study hard.
Career
Winnie Odinga began her work life close to home. She served as a private secretary to her father, Raila Odinga. This role let her learn about campaigns and strategy. She helped coordinate events across Africa. Over time, she built her own path. She founded The BrickHouse Counsel, a consultancy firm in Nairobi. This business focuses on communications, digital plans, and youth projects.
In politics, Winnie joined the Orange Democratic Movement, or ODM, her father’s party. She worked on the Azimio la Umoja coalition for the 2022 elections. That year, ODM nominated her to the East African Legislative Assembly. She now serves in the fifth EALA term from 2022 to 2027, based in Arusha, Tanzania. As an MP, she pushes for better trade, youth jobs, and unity in East Africa.
Her career mixes business and public service. She uses tech to reach young voters. After her father’s death in October 2025, Winnie spoke out for ODM’s future. She rejects deals that weaken the party. Her work shows commitment to change. Winnie’s roles teach about balancing jobs and politics.
Achievements
Winnie Odinga has many wins in her young career. In 2022, she became one of Kenya’s representatives in EALA. This role lets her shape laws for the East African Community. She focuses on youth empowerment and tech in development. One key achievement is her push for transparent governance. She speaks against corruption and for fair trade.
In ODM, Winnie helped build strong campaigns. Her strategies reached more voters through social media. After 2022, she warned against weak alliances. This shows her skill in party building. As an entrepreneur, founding The BrickHouse Counsel stands out. It supports young leaders with advice on communications.
Winnie breaks barriers as a woman in politics. She inspires girls to join leadership. Her work on regional unity helps economies grow. In 2025, after her father’s passing, she led tributes and called for ODM’s independence. This keeps the party’s spirit alive. Her achievements teach about impact through service.
She also promotes health and community support. These efforts add to her list of successes.
Personal Life
Winnie Odinga keeps her personal life private. She is not married and has no known children. Her focus stays on work and family. She lives in Nairobi but travels for EALA duties.
Family means much to her. She was close to her father, Raila, who guided her. His death on October 15, 2025, brought grief. Winnie shared emotional messages about his legacy. She honors her mother, Ida, who supports the family. The loss of brother Fidel in 2015 was hard too.
Winnie stays healthy after past surgeries. She speaks openly about resilience. Her life shows balance between public roles and personal strength.
Legacy
Winnie Odinga’s legacy builds on her family’s history. She stands for youth voices in politics. Her work in EALA promotes East African growth. As a woman leader, she paves ways for others.
After Raila’s death in 2025, speculation grows about her role in ODM. She may run for higher office in 2027. Her focus on protest and resistance keeps ODM strong. Winnie’s story inspires hope for fair leadership.
Her legacy includes bridging old and new ideas. She uses tech for change. Future looks bright as she leads forward.
Conclusion
Winnie Odinga’s life tells a story of growth and service. From her early days in a political family to her role in EALA, she shows dedication. Her education and career build skills for impact. Achievements like party strategies and regional advocacy stand out. Personal strength helps her through losses.
Her legacy honors the Odinga name while creating her own path. As Kenya moves ahead, Winnie represents new hope. Readers can learn from her about work, family, and leadership. Her journey encourages all to contribute.
FAQs
How old is Winnie Odinga?
She is 35 years old, born on March 6, 1990.
Who is Winnie Odinga’s mother?
Her mother is Ida Odinga, a teacher and women’s rights supporter.
Is Winnie Odinga married?
No, she is not married.
What is Winnie Odinga’s political party?
She is with the Orange Democratic Movement, or ODM, linked to Azimio la Umoja.
Will Winnie Odinga run for president?
There is talk about her future runs, but nothing confirmed yet.
