The battle for control of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has drawn the attention of the doyen of opposition Kawuor clan, the family of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.
The clan publicly criticised Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie and Raila Junior, for actions seen as disrespectful to their uncle, Senator Oburu Oginga, the party leader.
The weekend saw a rare spectacle: Winnie and Raila Junior held a rally in Nairobi, while Oburu led a separate ODM tour of Western Kenya. For decades, Raila’s household was the epicentre of regional politics. Today, Oburu’s ascendancy signals a major power shift, with Raila’s children now playing second fiddle.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga addresses the public rally at Kamukunji grounds in Kibera, Nairobi County on January 14, 2026.
Photo credit: DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION
Members of the Kawuor clan, including elders and family members, gathered in Kisumu on Tuesday to address the tensions. “The altercation involving Winnie and Raila Junior should not happen again. We call on all children and grandchildren to respect the eldest son of Jaramogi,” said William Ojonyo, Jaramogi’s nephew. The statement censured the Odinga children for holding a parallel rally in Kamukunji, Nairobi, alongside Oburu’s event in Kakamega.
Winnie Odinga, also an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, accused a section of ODM leadership of advancing narrow interests while marginalising her. “We were passengers, and Baba was our driver. Then, one day, he was gone. Out of nowhere, those who were near him jumped to the steering wheel…they are pushing us like luggage,” she said. Her remarks, widely seen as directed at Oburu, heightened tensions among party members aligned with the government.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s children, Raila Odinga Jr and Winnie Odinga, attend a political rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi, on January 18, 2026.
Photo credit: Evans Habil | Nation Media Group
At the Kisumu gathering, elders stressed that Oburu’s leadership should be respected. They cited his long study of Jaramogi’s political principles and advisory role to Raila until his passing. “We invite our kin, Hon Winnie Odinga, and Raila Junior to come share their concerns within the larger family fold. We are ready to listen,” said Ojonyo, urging reconciliation.
Some family members, however, downplayed the tensions. Omondi Oginga, a younger son of Jaramogi and Oburu’s brother, said much of the discord was media exaggeration. “There is no crack in the Odinga family. Winnie is a politician and is only playing her own game. She is not challenging her uncle,” he said, appealing for patience and support for Oburu’s leadership of ODM.
Members of Kawuor clan, William Ojonyo (left) and Cardinal John Awala, address the media at Kang'o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, on January 20, 2026.
Photo credit: Rushdie Oudia | Nation Media Group
Within the party, the rift is evident. Winnie Odinga has rallied younger leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, to challenge the old guard led by Oburu, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Director of Elections Junet Mohammed. The younger faction demands adherence to the party constitution and greater representation. Junet Mohammed defended the party structure, noting that robust internal debate is allowed, but once decisions are taken, all members are expected to follow them. “Loyalty, fidelity, and faithfulness are essential. There is no implosion, and there will be none,” he said.
Former ODM leader Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga and current party leader Oburu Oginga.
Photo credit: Nation Media Group
The dispute has attracted external actors. Observers note that President William Ruto appears to be courting ODM, possibly exploiting internal divisions. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is also reportedly attempting to woo members in ways that could benefit him ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM Communications Director Phillip Etale highlighted the party’s 6.3 million members, making it a valuable political platform.
The Odinga family’s annual commemoration of Jaramogi’s death, this year marking 32 years since his passing, was overshadowed by the emerging rift. This year, the celebrations were subdued, with family disputes and ODM power struggles taking centre stage. The clan, however, promised a more elaborate event when Oburu returns from official duties abroad.
