Orengo condemns verbal attacks on Ida Odinga

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Ida Odinga / HANDOUTSiaya Governor James Orengo has condemned attacks against Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ida Odinga.

Orengo warned that attempts to undermine the Odinga family would not erase the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Orengo said he was shocked and disturbed by attacks against Ida, whom he portrayed as a key figure in the struggle against oppression, injustice and despotism.

He accused those behind criticism of the Odinga family of betrayal, arguing that the language now being directed at them had begun to emerge while Raila was still alive.

“Ida Odinga was not just Raila’s wife but a fighter in the struggle against oppression, injustice and despotism. The vitriol and propaganda directed against the Raila Odinga family smacks of treachery and betrayal,” he said.

Orengo accused unnamed individuals of selling the party and attempting to consign Raila’s legacy to history.

“They have sold the Party and now want to throw Raila Odinga’s legacy to the dustbin of history. It will never happen,” he said.

 The feud between the family of Raila Odinga and powerful ODM figures is escalating ahead of the 2027 general election.

At the centre of the boiling hostilities are Raila’s widow, Ida, and daughter Winnie, whose recent political moves have rattled senior ODM politicians who are allied to President William Ruto.

Sources within ODM circles revealed that the leaders have vowed to open direct salvos at the Raila family over what they term ‘betrayal of their respect’ and an indication of their soft support for the opposition.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the barrage of attacks directed at the family. 

“The love we had for Raila cannot be transferred to anybody else unless you convince us that you are also fit for that love and the respect we gave Raila,” Treasury CS John Mbadi said.

 “If we respect you, use that respect well. In Luo land today, if someone is lying to you that you can remove some Luos from Ruto and take them elsewhere, you are wasting your time,” he added.

The simmering differences exploded into the open following Raila’s first death anniversary on October 15, with ODM heavyweights openly questioning the family’s political loyalties.

 The leaders are particularly uncomfortable with indications that some members of the Odinga family could back the opposition in the 2027 general election, potentially complicating Ruto’s efforts to consolidate Luo Nyanza votes.

 Ida’s decision to invite former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Edwin Sifuna and other opposition leaders to the anniversary celebrations in Bondo has particularly angered the pro-government wing of ODM.

 Ida, in a statement on Saturday, defended her decision to invite the opposition figures, saying Raila had built bridges across the political divide.