Inside Jaramogi family crisis meeting held on Sunday

Winnie, who is the East Africa Legislative Assembly member, had openly challenged her uncle and the Siaya senator over the management of ODM and the decision to rush into a political pact with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Ms Winnie has also opposed moves by a section of leaders allied to Dr Oginga, who appeared to support President Ruto’s re-election bid while honouring her late father’s wishes and public statements that ODM would field its own presidential candidate.

Within the family, the rift was seen as a shift in political influence, with the Ogingas—who have long been in the shadow of the former Premier Raila Odinga—seeking a more central role, while Raila Odinga’s children aimed to maintain the status quo.

Ms Winnie and her brother  Raila Junior had previously held a parallel rally in Kibra, Nairobi, while Dr Oginga was in Kakamega. She had planned another engagement in Bondo Town days later coinciding with Dr Oginga hosting ODM delegates but she shelved her event at the last minute.

Her decision reportedly followed the appointment of her mother, Dr Ida Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme.

The family feud had drawn attention from the larger Jaramogi clan which urged members to handle disputes internally rather than airing them publicly.

On Sunday, the family convened at Kangó ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to iron out their differences.

The meeting was attended by Dr Oginga, Ms Winnie, Raila Junior, Rosemary Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Dr Akinyi Wenwa and the surviving wives of Jaramogi— Susan and Betty Oginga.

Also present were Dr Oginga’s step-siblings Isaac Omondi Oginga, nominated MCA Emily Oginga, his sons Elijah Oburu and Jaoko Oburu, cousins Papa and Sankara, and Ruth Odinga’s sons, among other family members.

Dr Oginga’s wife Judith Atieno Oburu and his sister-in-law, North Sakwa MCA Tabu Osewe, were also present, though Dr Ida Odinga was notably absent from the photos.

After the meeting, the atmosphere was warm and cordial, with hugs and laughter among the family members.

In a social media post, Ms Winnie expressed her joy following the reunion.

“Today the Jaramogi family came together in unity and reflection, graciously hosted by my uncle Dr Oburu Oginga Odinga. Family, heritage and purpose. Grateful for family moments like this,” she wrote on Facebook, posting photos of herself warmly embracing Dr Oginga and other relatives.

"Wonderful gathering"

Dr Wenwa described the gathering as “wonderful,” while Raila Junior simply called it “a beautiful Sunday” and asked God to bless the family.

The meeting also offered a chance for collective mourning after months of handling guests and supporters following the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.

In previous interviews, the Kisumu Woman Representative had explained that the family had not taken time to mourn together due to responsibilities in managing the late leader’s supporters and ensuring ODM remained stable.

For Ms Odinga, the Sunday meeting was also an opportunity to acknowledge Dr Oginga’s efforts in steadying the family during a difficult period.

“I spent a peaceful Sunday with family, hosted by my brother Dr Oburu Oginga. Grateful for his love, guidance, and the steady hand that has always kept us united,” she said.

The family reunion came shortly after the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented the Odinga family with Dr Raila Amolo Odinga’s memorabilia on January 30, 2026.

The meeting, which brought the family together in unity, is expected to influence political debates in the coming weeks, particularly as Ms Winnie and Dr Oginga close ranks.

It remains unclear whether Ms Winnie will moderate her public criticism of her uncle or take a more active role in party affairs going forward.

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