Speaking in Bondo on Saturday during the burial of Beryl Odinga, Ida addressed growing speculation and online arguments surrounding the party’s leadership structure following the passing of Raila Odinga.
Ida told mourners that ODM members had already made their position known and affirmed Oburu as the rightful party leader. She urged Kenyans to ignore confusing statements circulating on social media.
“In the Odinga family, Oburu is the head. In ODM, the people have spoken, and the party leader is Oburu,” she said.
“Let us keep it that way until the party makes another decision.”
Her remarks come at a time when a section of supporters has been pushing for clarity on the succession question after Raila’s death left a vacuum in both the party and the wider political landscape.
Ida appealed to the public and party supporters to avoid pressuring the family during this emotional period. She noted that the family is still dealing with a painful loss and needs space to make private decisions.
“I want to ask people to leave us alone to deal with our own issues,” she said.
Her remarks come at a time when a section of supporters has been pushing for clarity on the succession question after Raila’s death left a vacuum in both the party and the wider political landscape.
Ida appealed to the public and party supporters to avoid pressuring the family during this emotional period. She noted that the family is still dealing with a painful loss and needs space to make private decisions.
“I want to ask people to leave us alone to deal with our own issues,” she said.
“What has happened is very painful, and we are handling it as a family.”
Her statement was a direct response to growing online debates and unsolicited opinions about the family’s internal decisions and ODM’s succession.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also echoed Ida’s message, urging ODM members to support Oburu’s leadership.
Wandayi said that Oburu was the natural successor to Raila, describing the late opposition chief as his most important political mentor.
Her statement was a direct response to growing online debates and unsolicited opinions about the family’s internal decisions and ODM’s succession.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also echoed Ida’s message, urging ODM members to support Oburu’s leadership.
Wandayi said that Oburu was the natural successor to Raila, describing the late opposition chief as his most important political mentor.
He noted that Raila’s legacy could only be preserved if the party stayed united under the new leadership.
“In Luo politics, all journeys end at the Odinga home,” Wandayi said.
“In Luo politics, all journeys end at the Odinga home,” Wandayi said.
“When Raila left us, Oburu took over the leadership. He must be given respect.”
He added that unity is the only meaningful tribute the party and community can give to both Raila and Beryl.
The leadership transition comes at a delicate moment for ODM, which is working to reinforce its internal structures while managing rising pressure from competing political forces and changing national dynamics.
Party insiders have said that unity within the Odinga family often reflects stability within ODM. For decades, the political influence of the family has played a key role in shaping regional and national politics.
Ida’s statement seeks to restore calm and discourage factions from pulling the party in different directions.
He added that unity is the only meaningful tribute the party and community can give to both Raila and Beryl.
The leadership transition comes at a delicate moment for ODM, which is working to reinforce its internal structures while managing rising pressure from competing political forces and changing national dynamics.
Party insiders have said that unity within the Odinga family often reflects stability within ODM. For decades, the political influence of the family has played a key role in shaping regional and national politics.
Ida’s statement seeks to restore calm and discourage factions from pulling the party in different directions.
Her message was received warmly by mourners and leaders present at the ceremony, with speakers emphasising that the party must avoid unnecessary power struggles.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who has been active in politics for decades, is expected to continue guiding the party during this transition.
Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who has been active in politics for decades, is expected to continue guiding the party during this transition.
His leadership is seen as a bridge between the older generation of ODM leaders and a rising class of youthful politicians seeking greater influence.
Political analysts say Oburu’s experience, closeness to Raila, and long-standing involvement in ODM structures could help stabilise the party as it repositions itself.
Saturday’s burial of Beryl Odinga was not only a moment of mourning but also a time for reflection on the future of ODM and the Odinga legacy.
Political analysts say Oburu’s experience, closeness to Raila, and long-standing involvement in ODM structures could help stabilise the party as it repositions itself.
Saturday’s burial of Beryl Odinga was not only a moment of mourning but also a time for reflection on the future of ODM and the Odinga legacy.
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