Raila Odinga's sister, Ruth Odinga, has issued a warning to ODM party members as she dismissed emerging factions within the political party following the party leader's passing.
While paying her last respects to Raila at the burial ceremony at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19, Ruth called out some elements within the party who she accused of trying to run the party against the late Raila's wishes.
According to Ruth, one of Raila's biggest wishes before passing away on Wednesday was for ODM to remain a united front, even in his absence.
"What you said about our party must remain. You told me the day before you passed away that we must be united. ODM must be united, and if it is not strong, we will not achieve what we stand for," she said.
She went on, "ODM must unite. We cannot have one ODM here and another one led by someone who thinks they own the party. ODM belongs to all of us. Some of those who want to take over the party don't know how we started the party."
Even prior to Raila's passing, cracks had started to form within the ODM party, particularly after the former Prime Minister decided to enter into a deal with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Since signing an MoU in March 2025, factions have emerged within ODM amid speculation that some members of the party were discontent with going to bed with the government.
But, according to Ruth Odinga, ODM will remain a solid unit and will "go into any negotiation table with one united ODM."
Interestingly, Ruth Odinga's sentiments came shortly after Raila's daughter Winnie Odinga subtly expressed her willingness to work with the government following Raila's passing.
In a cryptic message, Winnie noted that she was willing to "return home" and work with President William Ruto's administration as a continuation of his father's legacy.
Winnie currently serves as a Member of Parliament in the East African Legislative Assembly, following her nomination for the position by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
