Winnie Odinga: I’m extremely introverted and very shy despite public life
By William Muthama, August 29, 2026Winnie Odinga has described herself as an “extremely” introverted and very shy person despite her public profile and frequent involvement in political and social activities.
Speaking in an interview posted on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Winnie said many people misunderstand her personality because she is comfortable speaking in public.
Asked whether she considered herself an introvert, Winnie responded emphatically that she was.
“Extremely,” she said.
She explained that people often assume she is outgoing because of her ability to speak confidently in public, but said this does not reflect how she feels in private.
“They assume because I speak well in public, I’m extroverted, but I’m extremely introverted,” Winnie said.
The daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was then asked whether she was shy.
“Yes, I’m very shy,” she said.
Her admission came despite her long involvement in public affairs, where she has regularly appeared at political events, interacted with prominent leaders and spoken on issues affecting young people and Kenya’s political future.
Doing what matters
Winnie said her public activities should not necessarily be interpreted as evidence that she is naturally outgoing.
“Sometimes you have to do what you have to do,” she said.
She also pushed back on the idea that shyness has a particular appearance, saying: “What does shy look like? Shy looks cold. It’s a feeling.”
Her comments offered a different perspective on a public figure who has increasingly attracted attention because of her involvement in political conversations following the death of her father, Raila Odinga.
Winnie has previously spoken about how she is navigating the political legacy left by her father while trying to understand what direction she wants to take.
Life beyond politics
Away from politics, Winnie said she spends much of her time reading and described herself as a “big history buff”, with a particular interest in African history.
She also said she has always preferred learning outside the classroom and described herself as a curious person.
Winnie revealed that she is also working on documenting her experiences with her father and hopes to produce a documentary series about their life.