Jaoko Oburu describes ODM as gift from Raila, calls for protection
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 5, 2026Jaoko Oburu Odinga has urged members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to protect the party, describing it as a gift left behind by Raila Odinga.
Jaoko, the son of ODM party leader Oburu Oginga Odinga and Raila’s nephew, shared the message on X on Monday, January 5, 2026. He said ODM should receive the same protection that Kenyans gave to multiparty democracy and devolution.
“ODM is a gift that Baba Raila Odinga, C.G.H., left for us,” Jaoko wrote. “Just as we have protected his other gifts, multiparty democracy and devolution, ODM must also be protected from the enemies within and without.”
His remarks come at a difficult time for ODM, three months after Raila’s death in October 2025. Raila founded the party 20 years ago and built it into Kenya’s main opposition force. His passing created a leadership gap that has fuelled sharp divisions inside the party.
The tensions deepened after ODM joined a broad-based government with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance following a political pact in 2024. Several senior ODM figures, including Hassan Joho, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, accepted Cabinet positions. Raila supported the agreement at the time, saying it would stabilise the country after nationwide protests.
However, many ODM members now view the move as a betrayal of the party’s opposition role. This disagreement has split the party into two camps.
ODM divided
One faction supports continued cooperation with the government. It includes party leader Oburu Oginga Odinga, chairperson Gladys Wanga, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and deputy party leaders such as Simba Arati. They argue that staying in government respects Raila’s final wishes and allows ODM to deliver development to its supporters.
The opposing camp wants ODM to cut ties with the government. Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo lead this group. Sifuna has demanded a full party decision on the 2027 elections and accused some leaders of abandoning ODM’s principles.
The dispute turned personal over the weekend. Sifuna accused Junet Mohamed of contributing to Raila’s 2022 election loss, claiming he mishandled campaign funds from former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina later suggested the party could expel Sifuna.
Violence has also entered the conflict. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino accused Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai of threatening him with a gun during an argument at a Nairobi restaurant on Saturday. Babu said he has faced increased threats since Raila’s death. Alai denied pulling a gun but confirmed a heated confrontation. Both politicians belong to ODM.
These incidents have raised concerns about ODM’s unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Oburu Oginga Odinga has said the party will decide by June 2026 whether to back President Ruto.