Winnie Irmgard Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga and Ida Odinga, is a prominent figure in Kenya’s political landscape and an increasingly influential voice in East African affairs.
Born on March 6, 1990, in Nairobi, Winnie grew up in a family deeply involved in the country’s political affairs alongside his siblings Fidel, Rosemary, and Raila Odinga Junior.
Named after Winnie Mandela, the late South African anti-apartheid campaigner, she developed an early interest in politics, justice and leadership.
When she was 11, her mother introduced her to Mandela’s life and ideals by giving her a biography of the South African activist. The book helped shape her understanding of resilience and public service.
Growing up, she often accompanied her father during political campaigns and served as his trusted aide and confidante.
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Education at prestigious institutions
Winnie began her formal education at Rusinga School in Nairobi, where she completed her primary schooling before joining Brookhouse International School, one of the capital’s established international schools, for her secondary education.
Her academic journey later took her to the United States, where she enrolled at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Corporate Communication.
After returning to Kenya, Winnie continued her studies at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, where she pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA), complating in 2016.
Her academic background in business and corporate communication provided a foundation for her subsequent work in strategic communications, political campaigns and public affairs.
From political aide to regional legislator
Winnie’s career developed alongside her father’s political activities. After returning from the United States, she became closely involved in his political operations, helping coordinate campaign logistics and digital communications.
She also served as a driver and confidante during key election campaigns.
In 2008, she established The BrickHouse Counsel, a Nairobi-based strategic communications firm that worked with political campaigns across Africa and international clients, including English football club Everton FC.
The venture marked her entry into the communications industry, where she applied her interests in technology, messaging and political strategy.
Her career took a further turn in 2022 when she was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as a Kenyan representative, backed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
At the regional legislature, Winnie has focused on issues including digital rights, regional integration and youth representation.
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