Ida Odinga moves to cool tensions in ODM

By Newsflash Reporter

Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, on Wednesday January 7, 2026, stepped in to cool rising political temperatures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that growing divisions risk tearing apart the party her late husband built.

Speaking during Raila’s first posthumous birthday commemoration, Ida urged ODM leaders to embrace dialogue and consultation as the only path to restoring unity. She challenged the party’s leadership to reflect on Raila’s political philosophy and to resolve internal disagreements through talks rather than public confrontations.

Ida said Raila firmly believed in consensus-building and constant engagement, noting that consultation was the cornerstone of his leadership style. She reminded ODM leaders that Raila always turned to dialogue when faced with difficult political moments.

“Raila ran ODM on the principles of consultation. Baba led the party with dedication, fairness and firm hands, but always through listening to the people,” Ida said.
“I appeal to those Baba left in charge of the party to think deeply and honestly about his dreams for ODM and for the country.”

She said that if Raila were alive, he would have encouraged leaders to sit down and talk through their differences.
“That is my wish — that we sit together and resolve our disagreements through dialogue,” she added.

Power struggle over party direction

Ida’s appeal comes amid an escalating power struggle within ODM, with rival camps of senior leaders sharply divided over the party’s future political direction.

At the centre of the dispute is whether ODM should support President William Ruto’s re-election bid. One faction, led by party leader Oburu Oginga, national chairperson Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, argues that engagement with the government is necessary and consistent with Raila’s wishes.

Some of the ODM leaders who attended Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday posthumously at Raila’s Karen residence on 7/1/2026. Photo/@ODM/X

However, a rival camp comprising Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi insists that backing President Ruto would amount to a betrayal of ODM’s roots and Raila’s lifelong struggle.

The standoff has played out publicly, with sharp exchanges and accusations becoming the order of the day, leaving supporters confused and increasingly anxious about the party’s direction.

The Odinga family is understood to be keen on protecting Raila’s legacy as a unifying figure and safeguarding the party he nurtured over decades.

“It is my wish that we preserve the party in his honour, as a service to the country,” Ida said.

Raila’s absence exposes fault lines

Ida spoke at her Karen home in Nairobi, where the family marked Raila’s 81st birthday posthumously. Raila was born on January 7, 1945, in Maseno and died on October 15, 2025, in India while undergoing treatment.

His death, leaders say, has exposed deep-seated rivalries that had previously been contained by his authority, now threatening to pull 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 firm stand against a deal with President Ruto has fueled tensions, pledged to reach out to those opposed to his position for the sake of unity. He said he was ready to forgive those who had attacked him publicly and to engage all party members in dialogue.

“I do not want to be the Sifuna who wrecked Mzee’s party. There is no ODM member I will not sit down with. I am ready to talk to everyone,” he said.

Leaders preach unity

Earlier on Wednesday, Sifuna met Oburu in what many interpreted as an attempt to ease tensions within the 20-year-old party. While details of the meeting remained scanty, Oburu downplayed the rifts, insisting that ODM was experiencing differences of opinion rather than division.

“As leaders, we must allow everyone to speak their mind. Differences of opinion do not mean disunity. Great parties like ODM grow through debate and challenge,” Oburu said.

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

In emotional messages, leaders praised Raila’s role in shaping Kenya’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.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described Raila as one of the most consequential architects of multiparty democracy in the post-colonial world, saying freedom must always be defended, renewed and safeguarded by each generation.