ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has confirmed that he has called a family meeting scheduled for February 1, 2026, to address growing disagreements within the Odinga family over the direction and leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking at his home in Riat, Kisumu, Oburu said differences of opinion among younger family members are normal in politics. He stressed that as the elder in the family, it is his responsibility to guide, listen, and help resolve the issues peacefully.
“I cannot argue with my children,” Oburu said, referring to Raila Odinga’s children and other younger family members. “They are free to express themselves. I love them, and if they need advice, I am always there.”
The disagreements have intensified following public criticism by Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior, who have accused some senior party leaders of sidelining younger voices after the death of their father, the late ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Winnie Odinga recently warned that ODM should not be “sold or hijacked,” saying the family and supporters paid a heavy price to build the party. She accused unnamed leaders of rushing political decisions without respecting the mourning period.
Raila Odinga Junior echoed her sentiments, saying freedom of expression should be respected within ODM. He insisted that open debate is healthy for the party and should not be suppressed.
Oburu, however, cautioned against what he called destructive public criticism. He said while debate is allowed, party discipline must be respected once a decision is made by official party organs.
“People can think differently, but once a decision is agreed upon, members should not go out publicly to oppose it,” he said.
He also reaffirmed that ODM remains an independent party, capable of choosing whether to run alone or enter coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election. Oburu added that the party’s strength lies in its numbers, which it will use to negotiate politically.
The tensions reflect a wider struggle within ODM between the old guard and younger leaders, some of whom are pushing for leadership change through a National Delegates Conference. Oburu has maintained his position as party leader and has indicated he is ready to fly the ODM flag in the 2027 presidential race if the party chooses him.
As the February 1 family meeting approaches, many ODM supporters are watching closely, hoping it will ease tensions, unite the party, and chart a clear path forward after the loss of its long-time leader.
