At the center of the debate is Ambassador Mama Ida Odinga, who has issued a firm warning to party members considering abandoning the broad-based government arrangement.
Speaking during a public event in Suba North, Homa Bay County, on November 11, 2026, Dr. Odinga made her political loyalties unmistakably clear.
She declared that her late husband, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, left her firmly rooted inside ODM and within the cooperative framework led by President William Ruto.
“He left me in ODM, and that is where I stand,” Mama Ida told the gathering, insisting she has no intention of charting a different political course.
She reminded party faithful that Raila recognized Ruto's leadership before his passing in October 2025, urging supporters to remain exactly where the late leader left them.
Her remarks come amid growing internal friction over whether ODM should back President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid or field its own presidential candidate.
According to reports by People Daily and Citizen TV, sharp divisions have emerged within the party ranks regarding the future of the partnership.
While a section of leaders led by ODM party leader Oburu Oginga favors maintaining ties with the ruling administration, other prominent voices have urged caution.
East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga has previously stated that she remains undecided on backing Ruto, arguing that party delegates must formally decide ODM's 2027 direction.
Meanwhile, Ruth Odinga has warned that she would exit the party if it strays from her late brother's core ideals.
By drawing a hard line in defense of the broad-based pact, Mama Ida has effectively challenged dissenting factions within her late husband's party.
Her intervention signals that any attempt to pull ODM away from President Ruto ahead of the August 10, 2027 polls will face stiff resistance from within the Odinga family.
As competing camps weigh their options, Mama Ida's message leaves little room for ambiguity: loyalty to Raila's legacy means staying the course.
SOURCE
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