Raila Odinga Jr has publicly assured William Ruto of support from his family, endorsing the head of state’s development agenda during a tour of Kibra on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Raila Odinga Education Centre, Raila Jnr credited the government for its role in advancing education projects in Lang’ata constituency, framing the collaboration as a continuation of his father’s long-held belief in education as a pathway out of poverty.
“I would like to say thank you very much, Your Excellency and the government, for helping us here at Raila Odinga Centre because Baba believed education is the lifeline, it’s what grows people from poverty. And as Baba’s family, we believe that education is the most important thing to all of us here,” he said.
He went further to welcome the President back to the area and pledged local support for ongoing initiatives.
“This is what uplifts us, so we say to Your Excellency, asante sana. Tumeshukuru kama watu wa Kibira, tunakukaribisha huku, uendelee kuja huku uendelee na maendeleo. Sisi watu wa Kibira tumeshukuru na tutakussuport.”
The Raila Odinga Education Centre, unveiled in 2016, was established to expand access to quality education in one of Nairobi’s most densely populated informal settlements.
The facility serves thousands of learners and offers a comprehensive learning environment, including modern classrooms and digital resources.
It replaced a school that had been located near a railway line, with funding drawn from international partners, the Constituency Development Fund, and the Odinga family.
During the visit, Ruto also inspected the Soweto Kibera Affordable Housing Project and toured several institutions, including Ayany Primary School, where he commissioned a new 10-classroom block.
The remarks by Raila Jnr carry political weight, coming months after the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
Before his death, the former Prime Minister had remodelled his relationship with Ruto, shifting from a fierce rival and critic to an ally and committing to support his administration at least until 2027.
That alliance has since stirred internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement. A faction led by Oburu Oginga, his successor and elder brother, maintains that the support extended beyond 2027, while another aligned with Edwin Sifuna has opposed the arrangement.
Raila Jnr, who has largely maintained a low political profile compared to his sister Winnie, was installed as the family head after his father’s burial in Bondo in line with Luo cultural traditions.