Raila Odinga Junior has declared his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid and pledged to remain in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), placing him at odds with family members who have questioned the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Junior, the son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, says he intends to build his political career within ODM while mobilising support for Dr Ruto’s second term, even as his sister Winnie Odinga and aunt Ruth Odinga signal a willingness to chart a different political course.
The differences have exposed competing positions within the Odinga family over ODM’s leadership, its relationship with the President and who should carry forward Raila’s political legacy.
On Sunday, Junior joined senior ODM leaders and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho at a memorial rally for his father in Garissa, as Winnie renewed her criticism of party officials she accuses of sponsoring goons to disrupt the first anniversary commemoration of Raila’s death at Migwena grounds in Bondo last week.
In a pointed social media post, Winnie appeared to take aim at ODM leaders who missed the Bondo event but attended Sunday's rally.
“Lovely seeing all ODM officials celebrating Baba’s first memorial. While they were in Dubai, we received their gifts from Afgoonistan! Ahsante. We most reciprocate,” she wrote on Instagram.
Her post accompanied a video of leaders associated with the broad-based government travelling by what appeared to be a private jet from Eldoret where they had accompanied President Ruto for a rally.
Those aboard included Mr Joho, Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
Ms Wanga did not attend Thursday’s anniversary commemoration in Bondo with reports indicating that she was attending a conference in Dubai.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s children, Raila Odinga Junior and Winnie Odinga, attend a political rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi, on January 18, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
Junior, who has declared his intention to contest the Kibra parliamentary seat, said he would pursue his ambitions on an ODM ticket while campaigning for Dr Ruto’s re-election countrywide. He also pledged allegiance to his uncle, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
“I will stick with ODM to the end and will marshal support for President Ruto’s re-election countrywide as I also seek the Kibra MP seat on an ODM ticket,” Junior told the Daily Nation.
He dismissed suggestions that his political position could be influenced by relatives who have taken a different stance, saying he was focused on building his own political identity and supporting the President.
“As I said before, I’m building my political journey and cutting my niche in politics. Baba left us in the broad-based government, and that is where I will stay and rally our people to support the President’s re-election. I’m with the President to the end,” he said.
President William Ruto greets Raila Odinga Junior during the handover and dedication of the Raila Amolo Odinga Mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County. Looking on is Mama Ida Odinga and Rosemary Odinga.
Photo credit: PCS
His declaration reinforces the position of the ODM faction backing continued cooperation with Dr Ruto’s administration, even as dissent grows among leaders who believe the party risks compromising its independence by aligning itself with the government.
Among those expressing reservations is Ruth Odinga, the Kisumu Woman Representative, who has indicated that she could leave ODM if that became necessary to advance her political ideals.
Speaking at Migwena grounds during the anniversary commemoration, Ms Ruth said her commitment to justice and democracy took precedence over party loyalty.
Ruth Odinga: I will stand with ODM or move to another party for justice
“If standing with ODM means sacrificing everything to protect justice, then so be it. If I have to move to another party to ensure that justice prevails in Kenya, I will do so,” she said.
“My commitment is not merely to a political party but to the fight for justice, democracy and the rights of every Kenyan,” she added.
Winnie, meanwhile, has aligned herself with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has been critical of ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
She has also challenged the party’s leadership and announced her intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat currently held by Edwin Sifuna, one of the faction’s prominent figures.
Winnie Odinga announces her entry into the race for Nairobi’s senatorial seat
“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is a space. That is why I will stand for the senator of Nairobi. However, I’m not going alone, I’m going with the young people,” she said.
Junior acknowledged that his sister had a right to contest the seat but urged her to seek the ODM ticket and face Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, in the party nominations.
“I would like to tell Honourable Jalang’o congratulations for vying. As ODM, we are behind you,” he said during a recent party meeting in Nairobi.
The siblings’ differences extend beyond the immediate question of ODM’s political alignment to the contest over who should inherit their father’s political mantle.
Winnie Odinga during her anointing by Rose Otumba, Women Representative of the Luo Council of Elders in Siaya, in Bondo, Siaya County, on October 3, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Junior recently opposed attempts to portray Winnie as Raila’s political heir. On the day a section of Luo elders crowned her as the heir to her father’s political legacy, Junior and Bondo parliamentary aspirant Jaoko Oburu visited Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, who pledged to support their political ambitions.
The episode added to questions about competing centres of influence within the family as ODM navigates its future after Raila’s death.
Junior has also defended his mother, Ida Odinga, following criticism from some ODM supporters over the organisation of the first anniversary commemoration.
The criticism centred partly on her use of the term “goons” and the invitation extended to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to attend the event.
Junior said invitations were handled by the organising committee in consultation with the family, with the intention of bringing together people across the political divide.
“The committee was in charge of invitations, of course, in consultation with the family, and everyone from across the political divide was invited by the committee,” he said.
The competing positions have fuelled speculation about a struggle for influence within ODM, with the party’s future direction emerging as a key fault line among Raila’s relatives and political allies.
A source close to Dr Oburu’s camp told the Daily Nation that an intense contest was under way for control of the party.
