Raila Odinga's wife, Ida Odinga, has appealed to the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to uphold the values championed by the late former Prime Minister amidst tensions within the party.
Speaking on Wednesday, January 7, during Odinga's birthday commemoration ceremony in Nairobi, Ida called on those entrusted with ODM’s leadership to pause and reflect deeply on what Raila envisioned for both the party and the nation.
She warned that without proper direction, the internal wrangles could undermine Odinga’s founding ideals for the party and its members, as the late leader’s widow urged an end to the power tussles.
“I want to end by appealing to those Raila left in the leadership of the party to reflect deeply and sincerely on his dreams for the party and for our country,” Mama Ida appealed.
Adding, “Let us solve the problems of the party by always asking ourselves: What would Raila have done under these circumstances? I guess that your guess is as good as mine."
In her speech, Mama Ida described ODM as one of Raila’s greatest loves, praising party officials and staff who served him with dedication both in life and in death.
She added that Raila led the party with firm yet fair leadership, anchored on continuous consultation and a steadfast commitment to the will of the people.
Her remarks follow a deepening internal fallout in the party, marked by mounting accusations and counter-accusations among members.
Notably, the latest rift between ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, has immensely impacted the party's unity.
Meanwhile, Mama Ida, while addressing the congregants, also extended appreciation to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and several African leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, for standing with Odinga during his political tenure.
She also thanked President William Ruto's administration for mobilising state support and ensuring that the late former Prime Minister received a dignified send-off.
"On behalf of our family, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto and the entire government of Kenya that mobilised and deployed at the service of Baba and on his death," Ida stated.
"Mr President, we saw the hand of friendship, we felt the positive weight of government at your direction, and we are grateful," she added.
