Raila family intervenes to steady ODM amid nasty fallout

Members of the late Raila Odinga's family have stepped in to calm simmering tensions rocking the Orange Democratic Movement, threatening to tear the party apart.

Speaking during Raila's first posthumous birthday celebrations, Raila's widow Ida Odinga challenged the party leadership to consider dialogue to iron out their issues.

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She said just as Raila embraced consultations, the current leadership should consider reaching out when there are issues in the party.

“Raila ran ODM on principles of consultations, Baba ran ODM with dedication, with firm and fair hands. Raila ran ODM with the principles of constant consultations and always referring to the people,” Ida said.

“I want to appeal to those Baba left in the leadership of the party, to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for the country.”

“Let us approach the problem of the party by asking ourselves what would have Baba done, your guess is as good as mine, I am sure Baba would tell us let us sit and talk.”

That is my wish— to sit down and talk our differences.”

The intervention comes amid an escalating power struggle pitting rival camps of senior leaders sharply divided over the party's future.

At the center of the dispute are disagreements over whether ODM should back Ruto's re-election bid.

One camp led by party leader Oburu Oginga, national chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohemed argues that engagement with the government is necessary and in line with Raila’s wishes.

The rival camp consisting of secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Deputy party leader Godffrey Osotsi insists that backing Ruto betrays the party’s roots and Raila’s lifelong struggle.

This has been followed by public exchanges and accusations that has been the order of the day in the outfit leaving supporters confused and anxious about ODM’s future direction.

The family is understood to be keen on preserving Raila's legacy as a unifying figure and safeguarding the party he built over decades.

“It is my wish that we can preserve the party in his honour as a matter of service to the country.”

Ida spoke at her home in Karen, Nairobi where she led the family in the celebrating Raila’s 81st birthday posthumously.

Born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno, Raila died on October 15, 2025 in India while undergoing treatment.

His absence has exposed deep-seated rivalries that were previously kept in check by his authority threatening to tear the party apart.

She was joined by Sifuna, MPs George Aladwa (Makadara), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Antony Oluoch (Mahare), Peter Orero (Kibra), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North), Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and nominated senators Tabitha Mutinda and Karen Nyamu.

Sifuna whose stand on the Ruto deal has fueled tension in the party pledged to embrace those opposed to his views within the party for the sake of the party unity.

While announcing forgiving those who insulted him, the firebrand senator declared he is willing to sit down with everyone in the party to cool down the tempers.

“Like I said during Raila’s burial, I want to repeat that I will not be Sifuna to wreck Mzee’s party. I want to tell you that there is no ODM member I will not sit down with, I am ready to talk with anyone,” he said.

Early Wednesday, Sifuna met Oburu in a move that many believed was meant to quell tension in the 20-year-old party.

Though the details of their meeting were scanty, the Siaya senator downplayed the rifts saying there has only been a difference in opinion.

“As a leader, I believe we must encourage everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean division. Great parties—like ODM—grow through robust debate and unique challenges. That is where the progress and continuity of our party truly lie: in the hands of our young people,” Oburu said.

Meanwhile, several leaders celebrated the late former Prime Minister describing him as a towering figure whose absence has left a void that will be difficult to fill.

In messages of tribute, the leaders praised Raila’s role in shaping the country’s democratic space, his resilience in opposition politics and his enduring influence within ODM, where he remained the party’s unifying force until his death.

In an emotional message, Oburu described the deep bond he shared with Raila, recalling their shared childhood, laughter and lifelong conversations.

“My dear brother Raila, it has been incredibly difficult coming to terms with your loss. We grew up as twins, sharing so much of life, laughter and understanding. Today, it feels unreal to speak of you in the past tense, to call you the late Raila,” Oburu said.

“I fondly remember your immense contribution to our great country as a foremost statesman, as well as the deep conversations and bond we shared. You were more than a sibling; you were my best friend. I miss you dearly, yet in my heart, you remain alive. Happy 80 + 1 heavenly birthday.”

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described the veteran opposition leader as the most consequential architects of multiparty democracy in the postcolonial world.

“He understood, perhaps more clearly than most, that freedom is never inherited; it is contested, defended and renewed by each generation,” Nyong’o said in his tribute.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

ODM is currently facing its gravest unity test threatening to split the outfit months after the death of the former Prime Minister, with sharp divisions emerging at the top over whether to back President William Ruto’s administration.