Fresh revelations from insiders suggest that the quiet battles that existed for years are now erupting into the open following Raila’s death, exposing deep divisions over the party’s future leadership.
According to sources familiar with the internal wrangles, members of Raila’s family have allegedly rejected Oburu’s leadership, viewing him as unsuitable to steer ODM into the next political phase.
The friction, one insider revealed, is not new but was previously contained by Raila himself.
"That war has been there all along, but Jakom used to manage everything," the insider said, implying that Raila’s firm grip kept disputes from spilling into the public domain.
A section of the Odinga family is reportedly pushing for Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o as a preferred successor, arguing that he has the political stature and strategic influence needed to unite the party ahead of looming realignments.
This position mirrors earlier concerns raised by Winnie Odinga, signalling broader resistance to Oburu’s elevation.
Oburu, however, has dismissed claims of infighting, even as his absence from key condolence visits to the Odinga home in Opoda has raised eyebrows.
Addressing mourners in Rongo, he suggested that unnamed individuals were targeting him unfairly, insisting he never campaigned to lead ODM.
Meanwhile, growing attention is shifting to Oburu’s son, Jaoko Oburu, who has been holding meetings with organised groups across Nyanza.
His rising visibility is fuelling speculation about whether the younger generation plans to assert more influence in ODM’s internal debates.
As succession battles intensify, the party faces one of its most uncertain moments, with observers warning that unresolved tensions could significantly shape ODM’s future trajectory.
Tags:
Family