In the letter shared publicly, Njiru described Mama Ida as the “mother of the nation” and cautioned her not to “bite the bait” thrown her way by what he called a “cunning and desperate” administration.
According to the outspoken lawyer, the UNEP appointment was not an honour but a calculated move aimed at weakening the Odinga family’s political standing.
Njiru argued that Ida Odinga, together with her daughter Winnie Odinga, represents the “last line of defence” of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family, warning that accepting the appointment could undermine that legacy.
In a rare move, the lawyer went further to publicly list leaders he believes Mama Ida should trust for counsel. He named Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni, and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, describing them as principled leaders standing with the people.
He dismissed other unnamed political figures around the Odinga family as “sellouts,” accusing them of abandoning the ideals championed by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Njiru concluded his message by urging Ida Odinga to reject the appointment and instead “stand with the people,” framing the decision as one with far-reaching political and symbolic consequences for the ODM base and the wider opposition movement.
The public appeal adds to the growing debate within ODM and opposition circles following Ida Odinga’s nomination, with reactions sharply divided between those celebrating the appointment as recognition of her lifelong public service and others viewing it as a political manoeuvre by President Ruto’s administration.
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