Family matriarch Mama Ida Odinga has firmly told off senior Orange Democratic Movement figures John Mbadi and Junet Mohammed following their sharp public criticism over guest invitations to the late former Prime Minister’s first anniversary memorial service in Bondo.
Responding directly to recent remarks by the two party bigwigs who have argued that only loyalists standing with the current broad-based government deserved prominence, she has condemned attempts to turn the solemn commemoration into a battleground for settling political scores.
Her candid response has addressed growing internal friction that led several high-ranking officials to skip the gathering in Siaya County.
Addressing the controversy, Mama Ida has emphasized that the late statesman always understood the supreme importance of national reconciliation and bridge-building across diverse political divides.
She has maintained that the family’s guest registry has intentionally reflected that lifetime of inclusivity, welcoming leaders regardless of current political alignments.
Furthermore, she has cautioned party members against exploiting the late icon’s memory for personal political gain or using family grief as an excuse to police who pays respects at his final resting place.
The public clash has followed days of intense political posturing after figures like Mbadi and Junet chose to stay away from the Migwena grounds event, citing discomfort over opposition figures sharing the podium.
While those pro-government stalwarts have argued that loyal party members now partner with the ruling administration rather than opposition factions, thousands of grassroots supporters still packed the venue.
Opposition figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino received electric receptions from ecstatic crowds during the historic commemoration.
Mama Ida’s firm intervention has sought to restore dignity and unity within the broader movement as factional realignments continue to unfold across the country.
Her principled stand has reminded all leaders that honoring a legendary statesman transcends petty factional disputes and personal political ambitions.