Ida Odinga has sought to allay the concerns about Raila Odinga's succession following his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
Should Raila succeed in his Addis Ababa bid, he would be forced to stay out of local politics, as per the African Union's code of conduct.
With the former prime minister's likely absence, speculation has been rife about the inheritance of his traditional political bastions, Luo Nyanza being one of them.
Speaking at a function in Nyandiwa in Suba South, Ida observed that many politicians from the region had got the mentorship of Raila and thus were in a position to take over.
"Baba (Raila) sent me to tell you that you should be calm and never stress your hearts because even if he goes to lead Africa and leaves Kenyan politics, he's left behind his brave and competent sons and daughters who can continue with his work," she said.
In the same breath, Ida indirectly vouched for nominated MP John Mbadi who she said had been by Raila's side for a while and was therefore aware of the ODM leader's political know-how.
"All the years that you've been with Baba (Raila Odinga), you've gained more knowledge and leadership skills that you can use to lead the people. Are you not able?" Ida posed to Mbadi.
"This is the heartbeat of Baba," she added.
This came days after the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) dismissed reports that there were divisions in the party after Raila announced his desire to contest for the AUC chairmanship.
In a statement on Thursday, February 22, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna claimed that the media has been promoting false narratives over divisions in the opposition party over succession.
The Nairobi Senator noted that the ODM Party has remained the most consequential political organization in multiparty Kenya since its inception adding that the party will make it public when the time comes for transitions in the party leadership comes.
“This is no mean feat but has been achieved by a strong leadership foundation, vibrant party structures, credible values, and a strong party membership base. These virtues form the basis upon which any succession or filling of vacant leadership positions is conducted. If a time ever comes for transitions within the party's leadership, we will make it public,” said Sifuna.
