Raila Jnr Demands Respect for Odinga Family as ODM Infighting Escalates After Raila’s Death
Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have intensified after Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Odinga Junior, issued a strongly worded appeal urging political leaders to respect the Odinga family amid growing factional wrangles inside the party.
Speaking during a public engagement at Jacaranda Grounds, Raila Jnr expressed concern over what he described as rising divisions within ODM just months after the death of the veteran opposition leader, warning party members against engaging in confrontational politics.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment for ODM, with disagreements emerging among senior party figures over leadership, influence and the direction of the party following Raila’s political exit from active leadership.
Addressing supporters, Raila Jnr suggested that some leaders had failed to show proper regard to the family that has remained central to ODM’s political identity for decades.
“People are talking about ODM and its factions. I know ODM belonged to Raila, and as his family member, I will speak,” he said.
He added: “We have our uncle Oburu. Six months after his demise, the party is already having wrangles. We must be mature in our politics. It does not matter if you have leadership elsewhere; you have cars and everything. Respect is not weakness.”
The younger Odinga further revealed that he had privately communicated concerns to senior leaders and political allies over what he termed increasing disrespect directed at the family.
“I spoke to my uncle and told him that beginning today, if you are an MP, PS, MCA, among others, Raila’s family should be respected. Do your work respectfully. Respect Raila’s family,” he stated.
Raila Jnr also dismissed speculation surrounding his allegiance within competing ODM camps, hinting that he remained closely involved in discussions during his father’s final political engagements.
“I heard people talking about terms and asking me where I belong. During Raila’s last days, he spoke with people on different factions. Ask those who were in those meetings if I was there or not,” he said.
His remarks come amid a growing public spat involving Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga.
Mbadi defended his political credentials while calling for respect toward ODM veterans, including Oburu Oginga.
The Treasury CS dismissed criticism directed at him, arguing that his years in Parliament and ODM leadership had earned him authority within national politics.
“I have been chairman of ODM for 10 years under Raila Odinga, Minority Leader for five years, and now I am serving as minister. These are not small achievements,” Mbadi said.
He also criticised what he termed “juvenile politics” and warned younger leaders against undermining experienced politicians.
“Show respect to Oburu Oginga. You have no capacity to advise me on how to be Finance Minister,” Mbadi said.
“You cannot come from nowhere and start advising me. First seek an elective position, be elected, and then people will take you seriously as a leader,” he added.
Mbadi further insisted he remained confident about his future in national leadership despite mounting criticism from sections of ODM-aligned politicians.
The exchange was triggered after Winnie Odinga accused some government officials of politicising sensitive state institutions, particularly the National Treasury.
“The National Treasury is not a political office. The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office,” she said.
She warned against turning the Treasury into a platform for political attacks, stressing its importance in protecting Kenya’s economic stability.
“The National Treasury of the largest economy in East and Central Africa is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk to us wherever you want. That is where we carry our economy. Kazi ya hiyo ofisi ni kulinda thamani ya pesa ya wananchi,” she said.
The escalating exchanges are likely to deepen scrutiny over the future of ODM and the influence of the Odinga family as succession battles continue to emerge within one of Kenya’s most influential political parties.
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