ODM party leader and senior Odinga family figure Oburu Oginga has spoken publicly to address reports of growing tensions within the Odinga family, following the recent appointment of Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The disagreement became public on Friday after President William Ruto named Mama Ida to the influential international role, a move that reportedly caught some family members by surprise.
The decision sparked debate within both the Odinga family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), raising concerns about unity in one of Kenya’s most influential political families.
Speaking during an interview on Saturday, Oburu downplayed the seriousness of the reported divisions and urged calm. He assured the public that the situation was under control and that there was no major crisis threatening the family’s unity.
According to him, open dialogue would help resolve any misunderstandings and restore harmony among family members.
Oburu confirmed that an emergency family meeting has been scheduled for February 1. He explained that the main goal of the meeting is to listen to all sides, especially family members who have expressed discomfort or raised questions about recent political decisions.
Among those expected to be heard are former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s elder son, Raila Junior, and his daughter Winnie Odinga.
“There will be a family conversation, including a meeting planned for February 1, to bring together relatives and young people who have different views,” Oburu said. “We want to listen to them carefully, understand their concerns, and reassure them that they are loved, supported, and guided as part of one family.”
He further emphasized his personal commitment to maintaining unity within the family. “I want to affirm that I am there for them and ready to offer advice and help where needed. This is a continuous family engagement focused on unity, understanding, and mutual support,” he added.
On Saturday, both Oburu and Winnie Odinga attended separate public events in the Nyanza region, a development that many observers saw as a clear sign of the growing internal rift.
This public show of division comes just three months after the death of Raila Odinga, a loss that appears to have reshaped internal family and party dynamics.
Sources close to the family suggest that tensions intensified after Mama Ida’s UNEP appointment, with some relatives feeling that proper consultations were not carried out before the decision was made. This sense of exclusion has reportedly contributed to frustration among younger family members.
Raila Junior openly expressed his discomfort on Friday, distancing himself from the political fallout. “I’m not a politician. I love everyone and respect everyone,” he said. “My uncle has agreed to a family meeting on the 1st, though I would prefer it to happen sooner. I honestly don’t know what is going on. Please do not involve me in politics.”
Since the passing of their father, both Raila Junior and Winnie have increasingly voiced concerns about ODM’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). They have argued that the party should take a more independent political direction as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts say these developments point to a wider generational and strategic divide within ODM. While some senior leaders and family members appear comfortable with continued cooperation with the government, others believe the party risks losing its identity and influence if it does not clearly separate itself from the ruling administration.
The internal debate has also played out publicly. Recent rallies, including the January 18 gathering in Kibra—Raila Odinga’s long-time political base—have highlighted growing disagreements within the party. Observers note that the tensions are not just political but deeply personal, rooted in family relationships and differing visions for the party’s future.
At the same time, ODM is grappling with its own internal leadership struggles. Two main factions have emerged within the party, one aligned with Oburu Oginga’s leadership and another backing Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
These internal divisions are adding further pressure to the party as it tries to maintain unity amid shifting political alliances.
As the February 1 family meeting approaches, many Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether dialogue can calm tensions and help both the Odinga family and the ODM party chart a clear and united path forward.
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