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Raila Odinga Junior has urged political leaders to accord the Odinga family respect as tensions continue to emerge within the Orange Democratic Movement following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a public event at Jacaranda Grounds, Raila Jnr said ODM was already experiencing internal divisions barely six months after Raila’s death, calling on leaders to handle politics with maturity and restraint.
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He said he had personally spoken to family members and political leaders about the importance of respecting the Odinga family both publicly and politically.
“People are discussing ODM and its factions. ODM belonged to Raila and as a family member, I have a right to speak. We have our uncle Oburu, yet six months after Raila’s passing, the party is already experiencing wrangles. We need maturity in politics. Respect should not be viewed as weakness,” he said.
Raila Jnr also warned leaders including MPs, PSs and MCAs to conduct themselves respectfully when dealing with the Odinga family.
He further dismissed speculation surrounding his political alignment within ODM factions, saying he was fully aware of the discussions that took place during Raila’s final political moments.
The remarks come amid a political exchange involving Treasury CS John Mbadi and EALA MP Winnie Odinga.
Mbadi defended his political experience and urged younger leaders to respect senior figures such as Oburu Oginga.
The CS highlighted his leadership journey, noting that he served as ODM chairman for 10 years under Raila Odinga, spent five years as Minority Leader, and is now serving in government.
“These are not small achievements,” Mbadi said while cautioning against what he described as juvenile politics.
He insisted that critics should first seek elective positions before questioning his leadership credentials, adding that he remained confident about his political future.
Winnie Odinga had earlier criticised some government officials, particularly within the National Treasury, saying the institution should remain free from political battles.
She stressed that the Treasury is a critical office responsible for protecting the country’s economy and should not be treated as a personal or political platform.
