By Andrew Kariuki
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has confirmed that he has convened a family meeting scheduled for February 1, 2026, to address emerging internal differences over the political direction of the party.
Speaking to journalists at his Riat home in Kisumu on Saturday, Oburu said divergent opinions among younger members of the Odinga family were not unusual in politics and should be handled through dialogue rather than public confrontation.
He described himself as the senior figure within the family tasked with offering guidance and maintaining unity, saying the upcoming meeting would provide an opportunity to openly discuss the concerns.
“The internal family conversation, as I said, are issues which are important to resolve, and I am equal to the task. I have called a meeting on February 1 where we are going to deal with those issues,” Oburu said.
He added that younger family members were entitled to express their views, noting that generational differences were natural.
“Young people sometimes express divergent views. I will talk to them. They have a lot of time. Some of us are just holding space for them, and we love them. They are my children and I cannot utter anything against them,” he said.
On the broader debate within ODM, particularly over discussions involving possible cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Oburu cautioned against what he termed destructive criticism, arguing that once party organs make decisions, members are expected to respect collective resolutions.
“People cannot think the same and democracy allows debate. But discipline is important. Once a decision is made by an organ that includes a member, that member has no right to publicly take an opposing position after participating in that decision,” he said.
Oburu maintained that ODM remains an independent political party with the freedom to either contest elections on its own or negotiate coalition arrangements when necessary.
“Our strength is in our numbers, and that is what we will use to negotiate,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing public dissent from Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Jr, who have voiced frustration over what they see as attempts to sideline younger voices within the party.
Winnie Odinga has recently accused unnamed individuals of exploiting the political moment following Raila Odinga’s absence from active politics to advance narrow interests.
“We will not leave this party that we fought for. We paid the price for this movement when it mattered. ODM cannot be sold or hijacked,” she said during a public forum in Kibra, adding that calls for patience after their father’s passing had been ignored.
Raila Odinga Jr echoed her sentiments, insisting that freedom of expression should be upheld within the party.
“Kila mtu ana uhuru wa kuzungumza,” he said, underscoring the need for tolerance of internal debate.
The Odinga siblings have publicly aligned themselves with leaders allied to ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who have been pushing for leadership renewal through a National Delegates Conference (NDC).
The younger faction argues that it is time for a new generation to steer the party forward, while Oburu has maintained his leadership role and indicated his readiness to fly the ODM flag should the party field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
