The battle for control of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has taken a new turn after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s close relatives criticised National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi for allegedly denigrating the late opposition leader.
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Program (Unep) and widow of Odinga, Mama Ida Odinga, along with her daughter Winnie and sister-in-law, Ruth Odinga, accused the CS on Friday of scorning the death of the opposition leader when he recently asked, “Where is Raila now?”
The three family members did not take lightly what appeared to be a scornful statement that suggested Mr Mbadi did not care about the contributions and sacrifices made by the late Prime Minister.
The Odingas had no kind words for Mr Mbadi, who had long been viewed as Raila's confidant and was among the few chosen to serve in a high position in the broad-based government arrangement between the late Odinga and President William Ruto.
The war of words between the Odinga family and Mr Mbadi is a microcosm of the deeper conflict within the ODM party, with uncertainty about its future continuing to grow.
A recent Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) poll ranked it as the most popular political party in the country, yet it has struggled to stabilise after Raila's death. The poll also highlighted a deepening internal split within ODM.
While addressing professors and academicians who went to honour the late Odinga in Nyamira, Siaya, Mrs Odinga stated that even though Raila is gone, his spirit lives on.
"I heard some people asking, 'Where is Raila now?' I don’t want to answer them. But I will remind them of what some scholars say in history: No life lives forever, and dead men rise up never!" she said.
Mr Ida Odinga when she appeared before the National Assembly Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee at the County Hall, Nairobi on February 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
"We are not worried. Sometimes, politicians get very excited because they think he is gone and therefore there is nothing. We learn from them," she went on.
Recently, a visibly upset Mbadi claimed that the ODM party will not be held hostage by the Odinga family.
CS Mbadi to Winnie Odinga: Win an elective seat before lecturing me
On Friday, during the burial of senator Richard Onyonka's mother in Mosocho, Kisii County, Winnie, in an apparent reference to Mr Mbadi, said the National Treasury is not a political office.
"The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office. It is not a platform for you to abuse us and talk at us however you want. This is where the value of national currency is managed," she said.
In a direct jibe at Mr Mbadi, she said, "The work of that office is to protect the value of Kenya's money. As public servants, we need to improve how we treat each other, how we communicate, and pay attention to the people on the ground."
Winnie Odinga speaks during the ODM party's Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre, in Nairobi, on March 27, 2026.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
“If you are a leader, you must talk to people respectfully, not threaten them. We are also human beings. You need to stand firm. The economy is in bad shape, yet you are not focusing. You need to talk less and work more. Leaders must prioritise issues that matter in this economy," Winnie said.
Winnie also criticised Kenyan leaders, especially those in government, for heavy borrowing without any positive effects on Kenyans.
Ruth, who is the Kisumu Woman Representative, while speaking at the same Kisii event, said that even if some people are fighting her and speaking as if they have forgotten too soon, she will not be cowed into silence regarding the need for ODM unity.
The renewed conflict between the Odingas and Mr Mbadi follows a recent statement by Ruth on Facebook to the effect that she does not support neither of the two ODM factions - Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi.
Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga addresses ODM delegates during a party meeting at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu on March 13, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
She also accused Mr Mbadi of attacking her by stating that “the ODM Party does not belong to the Odingas and is not a family property, and therefore nobody should feel entitled just because they carry the Odinga name.”
Mr Mbadi, speaking at the ODM Party retreat in Mombasa, claimed some politicians are scheming to dominate the party and undermine it, erasing the gains made by its former leader over the past 20 years.
“We need to clarify how many supporters we have. North Eastern has been supporting ODM, with two out of three governors backing it. The party does not belong to one community,” he said.
“It (ODM) does not belong to a family. Some believe that because she is the sister of a party leader, she can order us around. You cannot. Baba (Odinga) was a very solid leader," he added.
His remarks were intended to be private, as party members discussed internal matters.
“You cannot keep saying Baba said this or did not say that. Where is Baba to give us evidence on whether he said the things you claim? He is not here anymore,” the CS stated.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi when he appeared before the National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee at Bunge Tower in Nairobi on April 2, 2026.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
After Mr Odinga's death, disputes within ODM have escalated, with two rival factions emerging - Linda Ground, led by Raila's brother Oburu Oginga, and Linda Mwananchi, led by James Orengo, Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino and Godfrey Osotsi.
Results of a recent survey conducted by TIFA indicates that 73 per cent of ODM supporters back the Linda Mwananchi faction, while 24 per cent support Linda Ground, associated with acting party leader, Dr Oginga. Three per cent are undecided.
