The announcement, delivered during an afternoon briefing, was initially interpreted as a diplomatic overture and a symbolic gesture toward the Odinga family.
However, behind closed doors, it triggered a flurry of activity within the family, culminating in an emergency meeting scheduled only minutes after the news broke.
The strongest signal that something was amiss came from Raila Odinga Junior, the eldest son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The strongest signal that something was amiss came from Raila Odinga Junior, the eldest son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
His first tweet, quickly deleted, hinted at urgent internal discussions needing to take place. Shortly afterward, he posted again—this time more composed but still pointed—revealing that ODM party leader and family elder Oburu Odinga had agreed to convene a family meeting on February 1.
“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. Do not involve me in the politics,” Junior wrote, withdrawing himself from speculation while confirming confirmed tensions.
Internal Politics Meets Family Grief
The Odinga family, still navigating the political vacuum left after Raila Odinga’s passing in 2025, has been managing two difficult fronts: the public expectations of the ODM party base and personal family restructuring in the absence of their patriarch.
“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. Do not involve me in the politics,” Junior wrote, withdrawing himself from speculation while confirming confirmed tensions.
Internal Politics Meets Family Grief
The Odinga family, still navigating the political vacuum left after Raila Odinga’s passing in 2025, has been managing two difficult fronts: the public expectations of the ODM party base and personal family restructuring in the absence of their patriarch.
Analysts note that Ida Odinga’s appointment arrived at a moment when ODM is already fragmented, with emerging factions and competing visions for the 2027 elections.
Raila Junior and his sister Winnie Odinga represent a younger ideological wing that has openly questioned ODM’s continued cooperation with the ruling UDA government.
Raila Junior and his sister Winnie Odinga represent a younger ideological wing that has openly questioned ODM’s continued cooperation with the ruling UDA government.
They argue the party should rebuild its independence and reclaim its ideological base rather than rely on arrangements formed after the 2022 election cycle.
Contrasting that perspective is the older guard led by Oburu Odinga and senior ODM officials who believe maintaining ties with the government offers strategic stability, both politically and economically.
Contrasting that perspective is the older guard led by Oburu Odinga and senior ODM officials who believe maintaining ties with the government offers strategic stability, both politically and economically.
To that wing, Ida’s appointment is seen as both an honor and an asset—a demonstration that the Odinga legacy remains influential within government circles.
ODM Factionalism Intensifies
The family tensions unfold against a backdrop of intensified factionalism within ODM. Two camps have crystalized: one aligned with Oburu and another orbiting Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
ODM Factionalism Intensifies
The family tensions unfold against a backdrop of intensified factionalism within ODM. Two camps have crystalized: one aligned with Oburu and another orbiting Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Disputes over party leadership, Raila’s succession structure, and questions around who speaks authoritatively for ODM have gradually spilled into public conversation.
Further complicating matters are ongoing disagreements involving Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, over who bears responsibility for ODM’s performance in the 2022 elections and the aftermath that followed.
With the 2027 elections beginning to take shape, these debates are not merely personal—they are strategic. Discussions around whether ODM will enter a pre-election pact with UDA, continue post-election cooperation, or reposition itself as an independent force could determine the party’s long-term trajectory.
Ida Remains Silent as Approval Process Awaits
Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga has maintained complete public silence since the appointment announcement.
Further complicating matters are ongoing disagreements involving Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, over who bears responsibility for ODM’s performance in the 2022 elections and the aftermath that followed.
With the 2027 elections beginning to take shape, these debates are not merely personal—they are strategic. Discussions around whether ODM will enter a pre-election pact with UDA, continue post-election cooperation, or reposition itself as an independent force could determine the party’s long-term trajectory.
Ida Remains Silent as Approval Process Awaits
Meanwhile, Mama Ida Odinga has maintained complete public silence since the appointment announcement.
She is now expected to undergo National Assembly vetting before officially assuming her UNEP posting at Gigiri in Nairobi.
The emergency family meeting set for February 1 is expected to address not only the circumstances surrounding the appointment but also unresolved questions about party direction, succession, and how the Odinga family will engage in politics in a post-Raila era.
The emergency family meeting set for February 1 is expected to address not only the circumstances surrounding the appointment but also unresolved questions about party direction, succession, and how the Odinga family will engage in politics in a post-Raila era.