Editor's Review
Winnie Odinga made it clear that she would inherit her father's friends, not his enemies.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament (MP) Winnie Odinga has opened up about her relationship with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Winnie described Uhuru as a close friend of her father, the late Raila Odinga, and stated that she intends to maintain a cordial relationship with him.
She stated that while she has no intentions of inheriting her father's enemies, she would love to keep his friends.
"I don't have beef with anybody or trying to inherit enemies, but I am trying to inherit my father's friends," she stated.
The EALA MP further responded to questions on the way forward on her political career and what role the former President would play in it.
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She stated that Uhuru is among the leaders, alongside President William Ruto, whom she would engage with about politics.
"He is a party leader of his party. He has taken a back seat from front-row politics, so I don't know how involved he wants to be or is choosing to be."
"I will definitely meet home for guidance and advice. If he will be happy to meet me, I'd love to sit with him. I'd love to sit with President Ruto for advice. I am not antagonistic or a starting-with-war person," Winnie stated.
Meanwhile, she set the record straight that she would only align with the political function that aligns best with the needs of the people she would like to represent.
Winnie made it clear that while she appreciates the legacy that her father built under ODM, her allegiance lay with the people, and not a political party.
"As much as I enjoy what my father built, I cannot ignore the will of the people I want to represent. They still have anger and frustrations. The decision on me running cannot be an Odinga for the Odingas' sake.
"If the time comes and there is a decision on whether to pick the comfort of convenience or what I stand for or believe in, I will always pick the latter. If that means I will walk alone, then I will," she stated.
Her sentiments came a day after Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang' expressed concern about political intolerance in the country.
Kajwang' stated that leaders should be free to engage with fellow politicians, even if they are on opposing sides of the political divide. He added that politics should not interfere with personal relationships between leaders and Kenyans.
The Senator said that leaders allied to 'Tutam' should not be vilified for engaging or meeting with those in the 'Wantam' brigade, and vice versa.
