Raila Odinga Junior has distanced himself from active politics, stating that he does not wish to be drawn into internal political debates within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), even as tensions emerge in the party following the death of its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga.
In a post shared on X on Friday, January 23, Raila Junior confirmed that his uncle, Dr. Oburu Oginga, has convened a family meeting scheduled for February 1 to address emerging issues linked to ODM’s leadership and direction.
“I’m not a politician. I love everyone and respect everyone. My uncle has agreed to a family meeting on the 1st. I would like it sooner. I don’t know what is happening—musiniingishe kwa hizo siasa,” Raila Junior wrote.
His remarks come amid growing speculation about the future leadership of ODM following the passing of Raila Odinga, who had served as the party’s founding leader and political figurehead for nearly two decades.
The situation was brought into sharper focus after Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga drew large crowds during a recent rally in Kibera, where calls for party renewal and the convening of a National Delegates Conference (NDC) were made. The remarks were interpreted by some party members as a challenge to the pace and direction of leadership transition within ODM.
However, Dr. Oburu Oginga, who currently serves as ODM party leader, has dismissed claims that there are plans to expel any members or sideline factions. He has publicly emphasised unity within the party as it reorganises ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Raila Junior’s statement also comes at a time when the Odinga family remains in the public spotlight following President William Ruto’s nomination of Dr. Ida Odinga, his mother, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In a communiqué issued on Friday, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed that the President had formally submitted Dr. Odinga’s nomination to the National Assembly for vetting and approval, in line with constitutional requirements governing foreign service appointments.
While political realignments continue within ODM, Raila Junior has maintained that his focus remains outside partisan politics, calling for respect, calm, and resolution through family dialogue rather than public political confrontation.
