Mama Ida Odinga sent shockwaves through the opposition political landscape after delivering a resolute declaration reaffirming her family’s commitment to the broad-based government framework established with President William Ruto.
Addressing a party gathering, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga firmly rejected calls from internal party factions urging the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to sever ties with the ruling administration.
Recalling her late husband’s final political directives, Mama Ida stated that Raila explicitly instructed his political household that President Ruto is the broad-based leader of the nation, mandating that the movement stay aligned within that national arrangement.
The bold announcement directly challenged a vocal anti-coalition faction within the party led by ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The trio has consistently campaigned to pull the orange party out of the broad-based administration, criticizing the government’s policies and pushing for an independent opposition candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Shutting down any speculation of a political retreat, Mama Ida declared her unwavering stance, asserting that her late husband positioned the movement within government to foster national unity and stability.
She insisted she would not abandon the course set by the party’s founding patriarch, cautioning leaders against undermining the legacy of cooperation.
The pronouncement has intensified internal rifts within Kenya’s main opposition outfit. While pro-government stalwarts welcomed Mama Ida’s intervention as a stabilizing directive honoring Raila’s memory, reformist figures maintaining an anti-establishment stance now face a significant dilemma over party direction and leadership authority in the post-Raila era.
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