In a no-holds-barred outburst, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga have in the last couple of days engaged in an ugly public spat over the affairs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a perceived political revolt against the Odingas, CS Mbadi told off Ms Odinga for what he termed as ‘ordering around’ ODM members because of her link with the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga .
The outburst by the former ODM national chairman appears to mirror the growing unease over the Odingas’ continued hold on the running of the 20-year-old outfit.
Within the Linda Ground faction, several politicians have been quietly complaining about an alleged entitlement by some of the Odingas, including Ms Odinga, who has declared interest to succeed Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o in 2027.
A recent attempt to install East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga, Mr Odinga’s last born daughter, was also quietly resisted within the party over feelings that it would have turned the national outfit into a family affair.
Winnie Odinga speaks during ODM's Special Delegates Convention at Nairobi’s Jamhuri Grounds.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Similarly, the emergence of the Linda Mwananchi faction led by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna was also linked to the installation of Dr Oburu Oginga as the party leader. Mr Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are some of the ODM members opposed to Dr Oginga’s leadership. They have repeatedly challenged the party to hold a competitive election of national officials in their agitation against Dr Oginga’s appointment.
Mr Odinga’s death in October 2025 left the ODM in a state of deep uncertainty, as leaders pulled in different directions, with some seeking to control the party despite its established leadership structure.
The Linda Mwananchi leaders, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna address the meeting amid high tension as police are trying to gain access to discontinue the meeting.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi| Nation Media Group
According to Mr Mbadi, Odinga's death has caused some leaders within the political group to try to tear it apart. He accused these politicians of taking advantage of the absence of the leader they previously relied upon to pursue their personal interests.
Mr Mbadi, who spoke during the ODM Party retreat in Mombasa, claimed that some politicians are scheming to dominate the party with the intention of undermining it and erasing the gains made by its former leader over the past 20 years.
“We need to be clear about how many soldiers are here. North Eastern has been supporting ODM, as we have two out of three governors supporting it. The party does not belong to one community,” he said.
He added, “It does not belong to a family. We have a party where someone, because she is the sister of a party leader, thinks she can order us around. You cannot. Baba (Odinga) has been a very solid leader.”
His speech was intended to be private, as members of the party were discussing internal matters.
Mr Mbadi called on party members to establish proper mechanisms for managing ODM, stating that the death of the former prime minister should not lead to the party's downfall.
The Jaramogi family after a meeting held at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi on February 1, 2025. Dr Oburu Oginga is sandwiched by niece Winnie Odinga and sister Ruth.
Photo credit: Pool
“You cannot keep saying Baba said this, Baba did not say that. Where is that Baba to give us evidence on whether or not he said the things you are telling us? He is not here anymore,” the CS said.
However, his remarks did not sit well with Ms Odinga, who claimed she was being targeted by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary.
In a response on Facebook, the county MP stated that she does not support any of the factions within ODM—Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi. According to the legislator, she advocates for a united party, which she said was Odinga's dream.
Ms Odinga accused the CS of politically attacking her when Mr Mbadi claimed 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.”
Dr Oburu Oginga delivers his speech during ODM's Special Delegates Convention at Nairobi’s Jamhuri Grounds.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The MP defended her brother's leadership and accused some ODM members of exploiting Dr Oginga's trusting and caring nature for personal gains.
She also defended her family name, stating that despite its recognition across the country, it does not mean that some of her siblings took advantage of it to gain political positions.
The MP added that she would protect the family's reputation and urged Kenyans not to pay attention to Mr Mbadi's statements.
“As an Odinga by birth and also an ideological Odinga, believing in what Jaramogi and Raila stood for, I cannot sit idle and allow this to pass without setting the record straight. It is evident that some elements within the ODM Party believe that some of us ‘entitled people’ have been clinging to the Odinga name for political survival,” the legislator wrote.
She announced that she would not use her name as a bargaining chip during campaigns; instead, she would seek votes just like other aspirants.
“If Mbadi and others in ODM have run out of ideas, the Odinga name will not be the punching bag. If I need political support from true friends of Raila Odinga, I will look for them. I know where to find them,” she wrote.
Ms Odinga had previously urged party members to reach out to Mr Sifuna and his team in an effort to unite the two rival factions.
The same message was echoed by National Assembly Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo, who stated that continued attacks on the Nairobi senator only make him stronger.
She announced that she had previously tried to bring the two groups together but faced hostility and decided to abandon her efforts.
Mr Mbadi dismissed this idea, stating that the real problem facing the party is its members, who have failed to strengthen the group after Odinga's death.
“We have many here who are unsure whether to support Linda Wananchi or remain here and support mainstream ODM. There has never been a time when you see people who have made a decision to divide the party and stay in it,” the CS said.
Instead, he urged current members to strive to ensure the party does not dissolve.
“I don’t sit in parties where people pretend. If you are afraid, leave your seats for others so we can move the party forward. The people who will kill the party are those sitting on the fence,” Mr Mbadi said.
