Oburu Odinga Plans Family Talks on February 1 Amid Growing Wrangles

ODM party leader and senior Odinga family figure Oburu Oginga has moved to downplay reports of deepening divisions within the family, saying dialogue will soon address the concerns that have recently surfaced.

The tensions came into the spotlight on Friday after President William Ruto appointed Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This move reportedly caught some family members off guard.

In an interview on Saturday, Oburu said there was no cause for public anxiety, stressing that the family remains united despite differing views. He confirmed that a family meeting scheduled for February 1 would provide space for open discussion and reconciliation.

According to Oburu, the planned meeting will bring together relatives and younger family members who have expressed dissenting opinions, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s son, Raila Junior, and his sister, Winnie.

“There will be a family engagement, including a meeting on February 1, where we will listen to those with different views, especially the young people, and reassure them of love, care, support, and guidance as members of one family,” Oburu stated.

He added that he remains committed to offering leadership and counsel, noting that the discussions are aimed at strengthening unity rather than deepening divisions.

“I am available and ready to guide them. This is a continuing family process built on understanding, unity, and mutual support,” he said.

The comments came as both Oburu and Winnie attended separate events in the Nyanza region on Saturday, underscoring the visible strain within one of Kenya’s most influential political families, barely three months after the death of Raila Odinga.

Sources suggest that the appointment of Mama Ida to the UNEP role intensified the unease, with some relatives feeling that consultations were insufficient before the decision was made public.

On Friday, Raila Junior distanced himself from political interpretations of the issue, saying he preferred a quicker family meeting to clarify matters.

“I am not a politician. I respect everyone and love everyone. I don’t know what is going on, and I don’t want to be dragged into politics,” he said.

Since their father’s passing, Junior and Winnie have been more vocal about their discomfort with ODM’s cooperation with the ruling UDA party, calling for a clearer and more independent political direction as the 2027 elections approach.

Political observers note that their stance highlights a broader generational and strategic divide within ODM, with some leaders favouring collaboration with the government while others advocate for a stronger, distinct party identity.

Recent public rallies, including the January 18 meeting in Kibra—Raila’s long-time political base—have further exposed these internal disagreements, blending personal family dynamics with party politics.

At the same time, ODM continues to face internal challenges, with emerging factions split between supporters of Oburu’s leadership and those aligned with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.