Rift widens between Raila, Oburu families in control of ODM

By Newsflash Reporter

A vicious rift has emerged within the ODM hierarchy, with simmering tensions between party leader Oburu Oginga and the family of his late brother, Raila Odinga, over control of the party.

The feud became public after Raila’s daughter, Winnie, issued a pointed warning last week, claiming some insiders were trying to “sell the party at night,” widely interpreted as targeting senior party officials. The following day, the EALA MP went further, demanding that ODM delegates decide who should lead the “complex” broad-based negotiations.

In a direct statement, Winnie suggested that none of the current ODM leaders—including Oburu—fully grasp the complexities of the party’s arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA, except her late father. She urged delegates to vote on whether ODM should remain in the pact.

“When it came to the matter of the broad-based government, the people of ODM entrusted one person with managing that relationship, and that was Baba, Raila Amolo Odinga,” Winnie said. “Those taking it upon themselves now—are they capable? That is for the people of ODM to answer.”

Her remarks have sparked political debate, with some of President Ruto’s supporters launching attacks on her. Observers warn that the youthful and articulate EALA MP could team up with other influential figures to challenge the Ruto administration.

Oburu, attending the ODM jamboree in Mombasa, downplayed the comments, promising to discuss the matter privately. “I want to tell Winnie that we will speak about that in private, at home,” he said, hinting at simmering tensions.

Oburu unsuitable Raila heir

An insider in the Odinga family revealed that a strong feeling exists that Oburu may not be the right person to succeed Raila. “Concerns raised by Winnie reflect a broader sentiment that Oburu is not the ideal candidate to lead ODM. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o is seen as more suitable,” the source said.

The tensions highlight deeper disagreements over succession and future control of the Orange party ahead of the 2027 political realignments. A Nyanza MP confirmed the feud between the two family branches persists, despite public displays of unity.

On Tuesday, Oburu lashed out at unnamed individuals he said were opposing him, stating: “Those fighting me are fighting someone who is not fighting them.” Analysts note that Oburu’s conservative, technocratic approach contrasts with Raila’s assertive style, fueling doubts about his leadership capacity.

Opinions within ODM differ on Winnie’s remarks. Deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi defended her, saying she did not speak offensively but emphasized that communications with the president should go through party structures, particularly the National Delegates Convention (NDC). Migori Senator Eddy Oketch added that Winnie’s call is within ODM’s constitutional framework, as the NDC must ratify appointments and decisions.

Next-generation moves raise questions

Oburu has notably skipped high-profile family condolence visits, leaving Siaya Governor James Orengo to stand in. Meanwhile, Oburu’s son, Jaoko, has held meetings with organised groups across Nyanza, fueling speculation about the next generation’s ambitions in ODM politics.

Analyst Martin Andati noted that the Raila family—including Ida and Winnie Odinga—appear unconvinced Oburu can match Raila’s political acumen, highlighting ongoing succession battles.

ODM stalwarts maintain that Winnie’s insistence on structured consultation aligns with the party constitution. “The NDC is the highest decision-making organ, and even Baba indicated the next meeting would be held in March,” Osotsi said. “Lower party organs report to the NDC, the ultimate authority.”

Oketch emphasized that Oburu will continue handling broad-based government relations with guidance from party organs. “Raila often relied on the Central Committee for key decisions, including broad-based relations. Even the 10-point agenda was crafted by the committee and read by Hon Edwin Sifuna,” he noted.