Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders on Saturday found themselves on the receiving end after Mama Ida Odinga issued a rare public reprimand during the funeral service of the late Beryl Odinga at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
Beryl, the sister to former ODM party leader Raila Odinga, was being laid to rest in an emotional ceremony attended by top political figures, family members, and supporters.
Despite her reputation as a calm and composed figure, Mama Ida momentarily departed from her usual demeanor after noticing what she considered disrespectful behavior from a section of youthful ODM leaders.
Her displeasure was sparked when newly elected Kasipul Constituency Member of Parliament Hon. Boyd Were arrived late, accompanied by a cheering crowd that disrupted the ongoing program.
In a video that has since gone viral, an evidently irritated Mama Ida Odinga stood and addressed the leaders directly, lecturing them on the importance of discipline, unity, and respect—especially during solemn occasions. She cautioned them against turning funerals and public gatherings into platforms for political showmanship.
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“Leaders must be objective in their conduct. This habit of walking in with crowds cheering you, even when a serious program is underway, is unacceptable,” she firmly stated, drawing applause from mourners who felt the disruption had undermined the dignity of the event.
Ida urged youthful leaders within ODM to embrace peaceful engagement and desist from actions that may create unnecessary divisions within the party. She reminded them that leadership comes with responsibility, humility, and respect for both the occasion and the people in attendance.
Her remarks come at a time when ODM is working to strengthen internal cohesion following recent political realignments. Analysts note that her public outburst underscores the growing concern among senior party figures over rising indiscipline among younger leaders eager to assert their influence.
The incident has since sparked mixed reactions online, with many Kenyans commending Mama Ida for calling out what they described as “emerging political arrogance,” while others argued that the youthful leaders may have been caught up in the excitement of the moment.
Nonetheless, the message was clear: ODM leaders must uphold unity and decorum—values that have long defined the party’s leadership culture.
WATCH the video below..
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