'I can't argue with my children,' Oburu confirms Odinga family meeting as ODM rift deepens

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has confirmed calling a family meeting to be held on February 1, 2026, to address internal differences stemming from divergent views within the larger Odinga family on the direction of the party.

Speaking to the press at his Riat home in Kisumu on Saturday, Dr. Oburu explained that the young people in the family are allowed to have different opinions, describing them as a normal part of political life. 

However, he pointed out his role as the guiding figure within the family, reaffirming his commitment to resolving the internal issues. 

“The internal family conversation as I said are issues which are important to resolve and I'm equal to the task and called a meeting on 1st February where we are going to deal with those issues,” Oburu stated.

“Young people sometimes express divergent views, I will talk to them. They have a lot of time, some of us are just holding for them and we love them. They're my children and I cannot utter anything against them. If they want any advice, I'm there for them."

Regarding the party's future amid differences over ODM-UDA talks, Oburu warned against what he termed “destructive criticism,” cautioning that public dissent after internal decisions undermines party discipline. 

He emphasized that democracy allows for debate, but once a decision is made collectively, members must respect it.

“People express different opinions as they can't think the same. What's important is discipline. Once a decision is made by an organ that includes a member, that member has no right to publicly take an opposing position after participating in that decision,” he noted. 

The ODM leader reiterated that the party will remain independent, retaining the flexibility to negotiate either to govern alone or within a coalition. 

“Our strength is in our numbers, and that is what we will use to negotiate,” Oburu remarked. 

His comments come as dissent grows from Raila Odinga’s children, Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Junior, who have publicly expressed frustration over efforts by some party leaders to sideline younger members with differing views.

Winnie recently accused unnamed figures of exploiting her father’s death to pursue narrow political interests.

“We will not leave this party that we fought for. We paid the price for this movement when it mattered. You cannot copy and paste Baba. ODM cannot be sold or hijacked. We asked for time after Baba’s passing, but some refused to wait,” Winnie stated during a recent public engagement forum in Kibra. 

Raila Odinga Jr echoed his sister’s sentiments, stressing that freedom of expression must be respected within the party.

“Kila mtu ana uhuru wa kuzungumza,” he said, adding that ODM should remain tolerant of internal debate.

Through their statements, the Odinga siblings signalled alignment with the faction associated with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who have been advocating for leadership change by calling for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) meeting. 

The younger leaders have insisted that it is time for a “younger Joshua” to take over from the older guard and steer the party, while Oburu has maintained his position as party leader and indicated he intends to be ODM’s presidential flagbearer should the party seek the top office in the 2027 polls.