Mounting infighting within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has pushed Raila Odinga’s widow, Ida Odinga, to publicly intervene, urging rival factions to rein in their disputes before they fracture the party he built.
Mama Ida broke her silence on Wednesday, January 7, while speaking during Raila Odinga’s birthday commemoration ceremony in Nairobi, using the solemn occasion to address what she termed troubling “sibling fights” among ODM leaders. Her remarks were widely interpreted as a response to escalating internal tensions that have increasingly spilled into the public arena.
Without directly naming individuals, she cautioned ODM leaders against allowing personal ambitions and power struggles to overshadow the party’s founding principles. She appealed to those entrusted with the party’s leadership to pause and reflect on the ideals Raila championed throughout his political life.
“I want to appeal to those Raila left in charge of the party to think deeply and honestly about his dreams for ODM and for our country,” she said, warning that continued wrangles risk eroding the moral foundation upon which the party was established.
Mama Ida urged party members to resolve disputes through introspection rather than confrontation, calling on them to constantly ask themselves what Raila would have done when faced with similar challenges. She described ODM as one of Raila’s greatest passions, noting that he led it with firmness balanced by fairness, and always through consultation and respect for the people’s will.
Her intervention comes at a time when internal divisions have intensified, with sharp exchanges and accusations emerging between senior party figures. The latest standoff involving ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has underscored growing fault lines and raised concerns about the party’s unity and future direction.
Beyond the internal politics, Mama Ida also used the platform to express gratitude to allies who stood with Raila during his political journey. She thanked former President Uhuru Kenyatta and several African leaders, including Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, for their solidarity.
She further acknowledged President William Ruto and his administration for facilitating a dignified state-supported send-off for Raila Odinga, describing it as a gesture of goodwill that the family deeply appreciated.
Her message was clear: unity, reflection and fidelity to Raila’s ideals must prevail if ODM is to survive its current storm.