Amid ongoing rifts in the Odinga family and ODM since Raila Odinga's death, party leader Oburu Oginga Odinga has outlined plans for a February 1 meeting to address discord sparked by President Ruto's appointment of Mama Ida Odinga as UNEP ambassador, with dissent from Raila Odinga Jr. and Winnie Odinga.
Since Raila Odinga's death in October 2025, the Odinga family and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have grappled with internal divisions over the party's direction, including potential coalitions with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of 2027 elections. Tensions were highlighted at Winnie Odinga's January 18 rally in Kibera, where she urged unity against ousting dissenting members.
The latest flashpoint emerged Friday with Ruto's appointment of Raila's widow, Mama Ida Odinga, as Kenya's ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In a Saturday interview, family patriarch and ODM leader Oburu Oginga sought to calm concerns, announcing a family meeting on February 1. "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.
Oburu affirmed his readiness to provide guidance, emphasizing unity and family engagement.
Raila Odinga Jr. responded Friday, stating, "I’m not a politician. I love everyone and respect everyone. My uncle has agreed to a family meeting on the 1st; I would like it sooner. I don’t know what is happening. Do not involve me in the politics."
Winnie Odinga has also voiced opposition to ODM's government alignment. The siblings represent a generational divide, with some favoring independence from UDA. On Saturday, Oburu and Winnie attended separate events in Nyanza, underscoring the feud.
ODM shows factionalism between Oburu's supporters and those aligned with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Analysts describe it as a strategic and personal rift in one of Kenya's prominent political dynasties.
