Cracks Widen in ODM as Winnie Odinga Criticizes Party Leadership
Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) continued to grow on Sunday, January 18, as East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga openly accused some party leaders of trying to push out fellow members.
Speaking at a rally in Kibra’s Kamkunji area, Winnie, who is the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, seemed to directly contradict statements made by ODM leader Oburu Odinga regarding members who were allegedly planning to leave the party.
In a firm statement, Winnie insisted that no member would be forced out of ODM, emphasizing that even her late father, Raila Odinga, would never have supported such actions.
“Nobody will be removed from the party. They talk too much, and when we ask questions, they tell us to leave. But if we leave, who will they remain with? This is a people’s party. If we leave, we leave with the people,” she declared to the crowd.
The lawmaker also stressed that no one could replace Raila Odinga, accusing certain party leaders of trying to imitate the late former Prime Minister instead of working in unity with his legacy.
During her address, Winnie encouraged residents to register as voters, a move that hinted at her possible political interest in Nairobi County ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, she did not clarify her own intentions regarding a political bid.
She also urged ODM to convene the National Delegates Committee (NDC) to address the ongoing party issues.
Speaking on the internal disagreements, Winnie called for dialogue, stressing that conversation and negotiation were the only ways to heal the party and restore unity. She criticized the top leadership for pulling in different directions, which she said had left ordinary members confused and frustrated.
“Raila left us only recently. Why rush? Let us talk first, reach an agreement, and then move forward together. We do not belong to any faction; we remain Team Raila,” she said.
A notable moment during her speech came when the audience cheered loudly as she delivered greetings from Embakasi MP Babu Owino and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. This seemed to hint at a possible alliance, as Winnie also promised to join the two leaders at the next rally in Kamkunji.
On the question of ODM’s cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Winnie made it clear that Raila Odinga had not officially endorsed any formal partnership with the current government.
She criticized leaders who claimed Raila had abandoned ODM to support President William Ruto, calling such statements disrespectful.
“Raila was one in a million. We will never get anyone like him. You cannot just copy-paste Raila,” she added, underscoring the uniqueness of her father’s leadership.
Her comments came just a week after ODM leadership toured the same area, where Oburu Odinga told dissenting members that they could leave if they wished. Oburu later clarified that he had no intention of removing anyone from the party.
ODM has faced significant internal struggles, particularly after the passing of Raila Odinga in October 2025.
His death exposed deep divisions within the party, with some members aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while others pushed for the party to focus on its grassroots and chart a new course towards the 2027 elections.
As Winnie and her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, toured Kibra to engage with residents and party supporters, the ODM leadership was in Kakamega holding a Linda Ground Rally.
The Kakamega rally aimed to consolidate support and gather members’ opinions as the party prepared for the upcoming general elections.
The unfolding events suggest a critical moment for ODM, with the party’s direction and unity under scrutiny as it navigates the post-Raila era and the political landscape leading to 2027.
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