'I'm not a politician': Raila Junior declares, reveals Oburu has called family meeting amid ODM tension

Raila Odinga Junior has confirmed that his uncle, Dr. Oburu Odinga, has convened a family meeting set for February 1 amid internal tensions tied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of his father and long-term party leader Raila Odinga.

In a tweet posted on Friday, January 23, Junior said he is “not a politician” and urged not to be dragged into ongoing political debates, adding that he respects everyone and would prefer the meeting happen sooner.

“I’m not a politician I love everyone and respect everyone my uncle has agreed to a family meeting on the 1st I would like it sooner. I don’t know what is happening musiniingishe kwa hizo siasa,” he wrote on X.

The announcement comes after Winnie Odinga and Raila Junior drew large crowds at a rally in Kibera where calls for party renewal and a National Delegates Conference (NDC) were interpreted by some as questioning the pace or direction of leadership within ODM.

Dr. Oburu Oginga, who is the current party leader of ODM, has publicly dismissed claims of plans to expel members and emphasised party unity as they prepare for future political engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

Raila Junior’s post also came after President William Ruto nominated his mother, Dr. Ida Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, in a communiqué issued on Friday, stated that the President has formally transmitted the nomination to the National Assembly for consideration and approval, in line with constitutional requirements governing appointments to the Foreign Service.