Mama Ida Odinga has appealed for unity and dialogue within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging party leaders and members to resolve internal differences through consultation in the spirit of the late party leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking at her Karen residence while marking what would have been Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday, Mama Ida paid tribute to her late husband’s leadership of the party and called on ODM to preserve his legacy by remaining principled, inclusive, and people-centred.
“Other than his family and the people of Kenya, Baba also had another love, and that is the love for Orange Democratic Movement,” she said.
“I thank the party and all the staff who served Baba in different capacities for the dedication to him in life and in death.”
Her remarks come amid growing infighting and factional disputes within ODM following the death of its long-time leader, raising concerns among supporters about the party’s cohesion and future direction.
Mama Ida recalled Raila’s hands-on approach to party management, describing him as a firm but fair leader who believed in collective decision-making and constant engagement with party members and the public.
“Baba ran ODM with dedicated dedication. He ran ODM with firm and fair hands,” she said.
“Raila ran ODM on the principle of constant consultations and always referring to the people.”
She said it was critical for the party to remain intact and focused, arguing that safeguarding ODM’s unity would be a fitting way to honour Raila’s contribution to Kenya’s political development.
“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honor as a matter of service to our country,” Mama Ida said, adding that ODM had a responsibility beyond partisan interests.
In a pointed appeal to the party’s current leadership, she urged those at the helm to reflect deeply on Raila’s vision for both ODM and the nation, particularly at a time when the party faces internal challenges.
“I want to end by appealing to those now left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” she said.
Mama Ida stressed that dialogue, rather than confrontation, was the hallmark of Raila’s leadership style and should guide the party as it navigates disagreements.
“Let us approach the problems of the party by always asking ourselves what would Baba do under this circumstance?” she posed.
“Your guess is as good as mine, Baba would tell us let us sit down and talk, and that is my wish — to sit down and talk our differences.”
The commemoration of Raila Odinga’s birthday brought together family members, close associates, and allies, offering a moment of reflection on his political legacy and the future of the party he founded and led for decades.
Mama Ida’s intervention is expected to resonate strongly within ODM ranks, with many viewing her as a moral voice capable of guiding the party through a delicate transition period.
Her call for unity and consultation underscores a broader appeal to put the party’s ideals above personal or factional interests, in keeping with the values Odinga championed throughout his political life.
