Respect Oburu, Kawuor clan cautions Winnie Odinga, Raila Jnr

By Newsflash Writer

Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, and her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, have been urged to show restraint and respect their uncle, Dr Oburu Oginga, as a simmering power struggle rocks the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Members of the Kawuor clan, the extended family of the late opposition doyen Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, have publicly weighed in on the unfolding dispute, cautioning the siblings against openly confronting Dr Oginga, who currently serves as the party leader.

The Siaya senator took over the ODM leadership following the death of his younger brother, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025, while he was receiving medical treatment in India.

Clan steps in to calm tensions

The warning came amid growing unease within the party after Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, and Raila Junior appeared to challenge their uncle’s authority. Over the weekend, the siblings held a parallel ODM rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, even as Dr Oginga presided over a separate gathering in Kakamega County — a rare and symbolic display of division within the party and the Odinga family.

Concerned by the escalating standoff, elders and members of the Kawuor clan convened a meeting in Kisumu to address the matter. Speaking on behalf of the family, Jaramogi’s nephew, Mr William Ojonyo, urged the younger generation to exercise humility and uphold family hierarchy.

“The altercation involving Winnie and Raila Junior should not happen again. We appeal to all children and grandchildren to respect the eldest son of Jaramogi, Dr Oburu Oginga,” Mr Ojonyo said.

For decades, Raila Odinga’s immediate family had dominated the political space within ODM. However, Dr Oginga’s ascension to party leadership has altered the balance of power, leaving Raila’s children with diminished influence and fuelling internal friction.

Winnie’s remarks raise stakes

At the Nairobi rally, Ms Winnie accused sections of the ODM leadership of sidelining her while pursuing narrow personal interests. In emotive remarks widely interpreted as directed at Dr Oginga, she expressed frustration over her changing status within the party following her father’s death.

“We were passengers and Baba was our driver. Then, suddenly, he was gone. Those who were closest to him rushed to the steering wheel and now they are pushing us like luggage,” she said.

Her comments heightened tensions among ODM members allied to the current leadership and drew concern from family elders, who reiterated that Dr Oginga’s authority must be respected. They noted that he had spent years studying Jaramogi’s political philosophy and had been a trusted adviser to Raila Odinga until his death.

Mr Ojonyo said the clan was open to reconciliation, inviting Winnie and Raila Junior to raise their concerns within the family framework rather than in public forums.

ODM rift widens as outsiders watch

Despite the public disagreement, some family members dismissed claims of a deep rift. Dr Oginga’s younger brother, Mr Omondi Oginga, insisted the situation had been exaggerated.

“There is no crack in the Odinga family. Winnie is a politician and is simply playing her political game. She is not challenging her uncle,” he said, calling for patience and support for Dr Oginga’s leadership.

Within ODM, however, divisions remain evident. Ms Winnie has aligned herself with younger leaders such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who are pushing back against the party’s old guard — Dr Oginga, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, and elections director Junet Mohammed. The group is demanding strict adherence to the party constitution and broader inclusion in decision-making.

Suna East MP Junet Mohammed defended the party’s structures, saying internal debate was healthy but collective decisions must be respected. “Loyalty, fidelity and faithfulness are critical. There is no implosion, and there will be none,” he said.

The standoff has also attracted interest from outside the party. Political observers say President William Ruto may be seeking to capitalise on ODM’s internal divisions, while former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is reportedly reaching out to some ODM figures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As the ODM succession battle continues, the 32nd anniversary of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga’s death passed quietly, overshadowed by family disagreements and party power struggles. Clan elders said a major commemoration would be organised once Senator Oginga returns from official duties abroad.