Tensions within the Odinga family have become increasingly visible, prompting party leader and family patriarch Oburu Oginga to call a meeting aimed at resolving disagreements.
The gathering is set for February 1, 2026, and comes after disputes emerged over Mama Ida Odinga’s appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme and divergent views on ODM’s political direction.
Speaking to reporters at his Kisumu home, Oburu described differing opinions among younger family members as normal and part of political life. He stressed his role as the guiding figure and said the upcoming meeting would be a chance to listen, advise, and strengthen family unity.
“The internal family conversation as I said are issues which are important to resolve and I'm equal to the task and called a meeting on 1st February where we are going to deal with those issues,” he stated.
“Young people sometimes express divergent views, I will talk to them. They have a lot of time, some of us are just holding for them and we love them. They're my children and I cannot utter anything against them. If they want any advice, I'm there for them."
Oburu confirmed that the family discussion would include Raila Odinga’s elder son, Raila Junior, and his sister Winnie, adding that the process is meant to promote understanding and care.
"There will be a family conversation, including a meeting planned for February 1, to engage relatives and young people with differing opinions, listen to their views, and assure them of love, care, support, and guidance as part of one family," he said.
He reiterated his readiness to guide and support the family through the process.
"I affirm that I am there for them and up to the task, ready to offer advice and help. I assure them that this process continues as a family engagement focused on unity, understanding, and support."
Oburu also addressed public disagreements within ODM over cooperation with the ruling UDA, cautioning against criticism that undermines party discipline. He emphasized that while debate is encouraged, once decisions are made collectively, members must honor them.
“People express different opinions as they can't think the same. What's important is discipline. Once a decision is made by an organ that includes a member, that member has no right to publicly take an opposing position after participating in that decision,” he explained.
He highlighted that ODM will remain independent, retaining flexibility to negotiate either alone or within coalitions.
“Our strength is in our numbers, and that is what we will use to negotiate,” he said.
The party rift has grown more public as Winnie and Raila Junior question moves by some leaders to sideline younger members with differing views. Winnie accused unnamed individuals of using their father’s death for narrow political interests.
“We will not leave this party that we fought for. We paid the price for this movement when it mattered. You cannot copy and paste Baba. ODM cannot be sold or hijacked. We asked for time after Baba’s passing, but some refused to wait,” she said during a forum in Kibra.
Raila Junior reinforced her stance, urging that freedom of expression within the party be respected. “Kila mtu ana uhuru wa kuzungumza,” he said, insisting ODM should remain tolerant of debate.
Observers note that the younger leaders appear aligned with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who are pushing for a National Delegates Conference to open up party leadership.
They argue for a “younger Joshua” to take over from the older generation, while Oburu remains firm in his leadership and plans to contest the presidency under ODM in 2027.
The family and party tensions were also on display as Oburu and Winnie attended separate events in Nyanza, with rallies such as the January 18 gathering in Kibra highlighting the personal and political divisions shaping ODM’s current challenges.
