Oburu Odinga Calls Urgent Family Meeting After Ruto Appoints Mama Ida Odinga To Key United Nations Roles

Tension appears to be growing within the Odinga family following President William Ruto’s decision to appoint Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme. The appointment has triggered intense political and personal debate. It has also drawn attention to internal family dynamics.

Raila Odinga Junior appeared surprised by the announcement shortly after it was made public. In a social media post that was later deleted he hinted at urgent issues that needed discussion. He suggested the family may not have been consulted before the decision. This raised questions about internal communication.

Moments later Junior clarified his position in another post. He stated that he is not a politician and respects everyone. He revealed that he had reached out to his uncle Oburu Odinga. According to Junior Oburu agreed to convene an urgent family meeting.

The meeting has been scheduled for February one. Junior however expressed a desire for it to happen sooner. He said he was unsure what was unfolding behind the scenes. He asked not to be drawn into political battles surrounding the appointment.

Oburu Odinga is the current ODM party leader and a key family figure. His decision to call a family meeting signals the seriousness of the issue. Political observers say the move reflects deeper concerns beyond the diplomatic post. It also points to unresolved party matters.

Since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga divisions have become more visible. Junior and his sister Winnie Odinga have questioned ODM’s cooperation with the ruling government. They have pushed for a more independent party direction ahead of 2027.

Their recent appearances at rallies including one in Kibra have fuelled speculation. Analysts say a generational divide is emerging within ODM. Some leaders favour cooperation with the government while others want a firm opposition stance.

The party is also facing internal factional disputes. One camp supports Oburu while another aligns with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. Disagreements have spilled into public over past election losses. These tensions continue to shape ODM politics.

Mama Ida Odinga has not publicly commented on her appointment. She will now await approval by the National Assembly. Once cleared she will report to the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi. The appointment has added a new layer to an already complex political landscape.