Oburu Odinga, newly ratified leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has criticised members within the party he described as disloyal to his late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He made the remarks during the commemoration of two decades of ODM in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, 2025.

Speaking at the event, Oburu reflected on his long association with the party and his 80-year journey alongside Raila.

“Kufika hapa mbele yenu. Kwanza nimefika hapa kama mwanzilishi wa ODM. Mimi nimekaa kwa hii chama tangu day one. Leo asubuhi tulionyeshwa mapictures ya Raila, ndugu yangu. Ndugu yangu ambaye tumepoteza na mpaka sasa mimi sijaamini Raila hayuko,” he said.

“Mimi bado nalia, na mliskia mtoto yangu Winnie akisema ati mimi nilikuwa nasukumwa sana na bado ninaomboleza rafiki yangu, ndugu yangu, confidant yangu Raila Amolo Odinga ambaye tumekaa na yeye ndunia “hii miaka 80. Hayo yote mlikuwa mmeyaona Raila amefanya huko, ameenda huko, mimi nilikuwa hapo. Hakuna mahali mimi sikukuwako.”

He added that while he has remained loyal, some in Raila’s inner circle have acted against the late leader.

“Ninajua kuna wenzangu, wengine ambao wanasema wako na Raila kwa dhati. Lakini kwa wakati mmoja, au ingine, walikuwa wamesaliti Raila,” he stated.

Winnie’s proposal

Oburu also responded to a suggestion by Raila’s daughter, EALA MP Winnie Odinga, who recommended that ODM hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to determine the party’s position on its pact with President William Ruto. Oburu dismissed the proposal but said he would discuss it with Winnie privately.

“Mumemsikia mtoto wangu Winnie akisema eti Raila alikuwa hapo, na eti sasa tutafute mwingine atusaidie kuendeleza hii broad-based government. Ninamwambia hiyo tutaongea naye kinyumbani,” he said.

The ODM leader reaffirmed his commitment to continue his brother’s legacy.

“Hii kiti ambacho mmenipaea kuwa party leader nitaendela vile Raila alikuwa anaendelea bila uwoga yoyote. Nitatimiza yale yote ambayo ndugu yangu alitake itimizwe,” Oburu added.

Winnie Odinga had raised concerns about the current leadership’s capacity to manage party affairs and the broad-based government relationship. She urged the party to let the NDC decide on the way forward, emphasising that the late Raila had been the trusted figure to manage complex political relationships.