Raila Odinga Jr has sharply told Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to stop insulting his sister Winnie Odinga, as political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continue to rise.

Speaking on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Jacaranda Grounds, Raila Jr expressed frustration over growing disputes involving leaders in government and members of the Odinga family. He warned against what he called disrespectful politics and urged leaders to show restraint when speaking about the family of the late Raila Odinga.

“Kila mtu hapa anasema, ‘Sijui, ooh, Baba alisema hivi, alisema hivi’,” he said, criticising repeated references to his late father in political debates.

He added that he had not received direct political instructions from his father and said many people were twisting Raila Odinga’s legacy for political gain.

“So mimi, kama kijana ya Baba, baba yangu hakuwahi niamboia chochote? Watu wanaongea huko, kwanza hii story ya ODM,” he said.

“Na mimi kama familia ya Baba, tuko na uncle yangu Dr Oburu. Na familia ya Baba hii ODM yenu mmeanza kutukana nini nini, six months? No, you must be mature in politics.”

“No, you must be mature in politics. Hiyo ndio nimesema; haimaanishi, ‘Ooh, nyinyi ODM, nyinyi ndio viongozi, mko na magari, mko na sijui nini, hapana.”

He called for respect in political engagement, saying leaders should focus on work instead of insults and political fights within ODM.

“Heshima si utumwa. Niliongea na uncle yangu nikamwambia hii kitu kuanzia leo; kama wewe ni president, wewe ni CS, wewe ni PS, sijui nini, MP, MCA. Hata huko kuna kijana mwingine anaitwa Omosh. Familia ya Baba, please, heshimu,” he said.

Raila Jr also pointed to rising tensions between leaders and the Odinga family, saying some government officials had taken politics too far.

He indirectly addressed Mbadi, who has recently clashed with Winnie Odinga over criticism of the National Treasury and leadership style.

“We fanya kazi yako, ufanye vitu zako, but please, heshimu famila ya Baba. Kitu ya mwisho nilikuwa nikifuatilia ndio mnielewe; huko Kibera kulikuwa na shida ya maji. Tulifuatilia huko tukawa nini kidogo kidogo. Mwishowe nikaenda nikaongea na hao.”

“Nimepata programme ya maji, funding pia nimepata. Sa usaidizi nahitaji ni ya government. Huko treasury, wanisadie na hiyo kwanza kabla waongee. Wewe kama unataka usaidizi uniambie tufanye hii kazi, uwache politics mingi sana.”

Mbadi-Winnie clash deepens

The statement comes a day after Mbadi strongly defended his record and leadership style following criticism from Winnie Odinga, who had warned against arrogance in government and insisted that the National Treasury should not be treated as a political platform.

Mbadi, speaking on Saturday, May 16, 2026, fired back at Winnie, saying she had no authority to lecture him on leadership. He argued that leadership comes through elections and long service.

“You can’t come from nowhere to start advising me. First, seek an elective position,” Mbadi said.

He also defended his political record, saying he had served under the late Raila Odinga for decades and earned his positions through loyalty and service.

“I have been chairman of ODM under Raila Odinga for 10 years… I have been the minority leader for five years… I am now minister,” he said.

Mbadi further said he was ready to take higher national leadership roles, including the presidency, and dismissed what he called “juvenile politics.”

“I am ready to lead this country… I will not waste my time with juvenile politics,” he said.

The exchange has exposed deepening political friction between Mbadi and sections of the Odinga family, especially after Winnie Odinga publicly criticised how some leaders communicate on economic issues.

Winnie had warned that the National Treasury must remain a serious institution and not a platform for political attacks.

“The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office,” she said.

She also raised concerns over rising fuel prices, unemployment, and economic pressure on households, calling for leaders to focus on solutions.

Raila Jr’s remarks at Jacaranda now add another layer to the growing tension, as he urged leaders to respect the Odinga family and stop dragging it into political disputes.