The political future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has become a subject of growing debate following a major declaration by the widow of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Ida Odinga.
Ida has publicly stated that she remains committed to ODM and the broad-based government arrangement between the party and President William Ruto's administration.
Speaking in Suba North, Homa Bay County, on November 11, 2026, she said she intended to remain where her late husband had left her politically.
She explained that Raila had supported the broad-based arrangement and recognized Ruto as the country's leader. She urged his supporters not to abandon the political direction he had embraced before his death.
Her declaration comes at a sensitive time for ODM, which has been experiencing disagreements over its relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration and its plans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has maintained that the party should continue cooperating with Ruto's government, arguing that this was the direction Raila had chosen.
However, other leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have criticized aspects of the arrangement and aligned themselves with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
The differences have also been visible within the Odinga family.
Raila's daughter, Winnie Odinga, has shown support for the Linda Mwananchi camp and announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat. Her aunt, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, has also questioned the direction taken by the party leadership.
Ida's latest remarks therefore provide a clearer indication of where she stands in the ongoing political debate.
With 2027 approaching, the party faces an important test: whether its competing political camps can remain together or eventually take different paths.
Sources: https://x.com/NationAfrica/status/2120762060833235391?a=L_R28Pv5PnKDZN1DKXA&s=20
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