Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has come to the defence of Mama Ida Odinga and the children of the late Raila Odinga following growing criticism of the family after the former Prime Minister’s first death anniversary.
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The controversy has sparked fresh debate about the Odinga family’s relationship with senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, with disagreements over Raila’s political legacy threatening to deepen divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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According to a report published by The Standard on Monday, October 19, 2026, Sifuna accused some politicians who previously presented themselves as close allies of Raila of turning against his widow and children barely a year after his death.
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The senator said the family deserved respect rather than being drawn into political disputes surrounding the future of ODM and the direction of Raila’s supporters.
Raila died in India on October 15, 2025, aged 80, leaving behind a political movement now facing disagreements over its leadership, alliances and future strategy.
What happened to Mama Ida Odinga and her children?
The criticism followed the October 15, 2026, commemoration marking one year since Raila’s death. The event, held at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, was attended by members of the Odinga family and politicians from different political camps.
The decision to invite leaders from across the political divide triggered disagreements among some ODM politicians, particularly over the presence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other opposition figures.
Mama Ida subsequently defended the family’s decision, explaining that Raila had maintained relationships with people across the political divide.
She also expressed disappointment over reports of heckling, shouting and disruptions during the memorial, apologising to guests who had been subjected to such treatment. She urged politicians and their supporters to respect the family and Raila’s resting place.
Edwin Sifuna’s strong message to Raila’s critics
Speaking at Jesus Teaching Ministry in Nairobi on Sunday, October 18, Sifuna accused some politicians who had previously portrayed themselves as Raila’s close allies of turning against his family.
The Nairobi senator said the Odinga family knew who had genuinely stood by the former Prime Minister and insisted that he would continue supporting them.
Sifuna stated that Raila’s wife and children should not become targets of political disagreements following his death.
His remarks came amid tensions between politicians supporting cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration and those associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, which opposes that political arrangement.
Millie Odhiambo also comes to the family’s defence
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also criticised the attacks directed at Mama Ida and her children following the memorial.
In remarks reported by People Daily on October 17, she argued that the family was entitled to honour Raila in a manner that reflected his political beliefs and relationships.
Odhiambo further reminded Kenyans that, beyond his public image as a political leader, Raila was a husband, father, brother and grandfather.
She emphasised that his family continued to experience the personal loss of his death, even as politicians debated his legacy.
Why the controversy is growing
The disagreement extends beyond the memorial itself, with political tensions emerging over who should carry forward Raila’s legacy and the direction ODM should take ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some leaders have questioned whether the political loyalty Raila enjoyed should automatically extend to his family or other political figures. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, for example, has argued that the affection Kenyans had for Raila cannot simply be transferred to another person.
Meanwhile, Mama Ida has maintained that the family’s invitation to leaders from different political camps was intended to reflect the late politician’s relationships and his history of reconciliation.
