“We are coming for you,” Robert Alai tells off Winnie & Ruth Odinga after ODM fired SG Edwin Sifuna

A storm is brewing inside the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a fiery statement from Robert Alai signaled a calculated purge of those perceived to be undermining party leadership—including, strikingly, members of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s own family.

In a post that has since ignited intense political debate,Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai declared, “It’s the week, not night, of long knives. We are purging all those who are disrespecting the party leader.”

“Hata family members wakuwe careful because ODM isn’t a property of the family,” Alai wrote, directly warning Raila’s daughter Winnie Odinga and Raila’s sister  Ruth Odinga, that they are not exempt from disciplinary action.

“Adhiambo and Winnie MUST respect Oburu Odinga. Sio tafadhali. MUST!” the statement continued.

The post elevates Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila’s elder brother, as the figurehead to whom loyalty is now demanded.

“We need loyalty to our leader Oburu Odinga,” Alai wrote. “Indiscipline will be punished hapo hapo.”

In a sharp departure from usual political rhetoric, Alai promised immediate rewards for loyalty: “Loyalty tuna-reward na tam-tam moja moja kila siku kama dawa ya orianyacha!”

While ODM has long been viewed as Raila Odinga’s political vehicle, recent succession whispers and realignments have exposed tensions beneath the surface.

Alai’s broadside suggests an emerging faction positioning Oburu long seen as a quieter, more behind-the-scenes figure as the party’s disciplinary compass, even against Raila’s own children.

The question now is whether the Odinga family will close ranks, or whether the “week of long knives” will cut deeper than expected.

For now, the message from Alai’s corner is unambiguous: respect Oburu, or face consequences. No exceptions. Not even for Raila’s daughters.