Winnie Odinga, a prominent member of Kenya’s main opposition Orange Democratic Movement and daughter of the late leader Raila Odinga, on Saturday rejected suggestions of deep divisions within the party, saying disagreements are a healthy part of democracy in a large political organization.
Speaking to reporters in Gatanga, Murang’a County, the East African Legislative Assembly lawmaker emphasized unity under current party leader Oburu Oginga, her uncle, as ODM prepares for national elections in 2027.
“The party is okay,” Winnie Odinga said. “A party with over eight million registered voters — we are going to have disagreements, but that should not mean people get excited that ODM is falling apart.”
Her comments come amid speculation about internal tensions following Raila Odinga’s death in October while receiving medical treatment in India. The veteran opposition figure, who led ODM for decades, left a leadership vacuum that has prompted debates over the party’s direction, including its cooperation with President William Ruto’s government.
Unity amid competition
Winnie Odinga, 35, argued that competition and differing views strengthen rather than weaken ODM, which remains one of Kenya’s largest parties with strong support in western and coastal regions.
“The purpose of a political party is to capture all power, and I believe ODM must field a candidate everywhere,” she said. “That is the point of a political party and a democracy. Not everybody will think the same; people are going to compete, and ODM needs to be competitive — and we are.”
She dismissed rumors of factions, urging critics and supporters alike not to misinterpret normal debates as signs of collapse.
Party officials have echoed similar sentiments, portraying internal discussions as consistent with democratic principles. ODM has navigated a transition period since Raila Odinga’s passing, with Oburu Oginga, a Siaya senator, stepping in as leader after endorsements from key party organs.
Family loyalty at the core
Winnie Odinga highlighted her personal ties to the leadership, describing Oburu Oginga as a father figure following her own father’s death.
“The party leader is my uncle; I love him; he is the only father I have left,” she said. “There’s no day I will be in a faction and he is not there. He is the head of my family, and I am always with him — that is the faction I belong to, if there are.”
She credited Raila Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” with building a durable movement rooted in resilience.
“Baba built this house and nobody is leaving,” Winnie Odinga said, using a Swahili phrase. “He taught us what to do. The only ones who leave are those who have a problem with what he taught us.”
Post-Raila era challenges
Raila Odinga’s death at age 80 has intensified positioning within ODM as figures eye influence ahead of 2027. Some members have called for a national delegates conference to formalize leadership and address issues like the party’s role in Ruto’s broad-based cabinet, where several ODM leaders hold posts.
Critics within the party have questioned whether the arrangement dilutes ODM’s opposition stance, while supporters argue it delivers benefits to members and regions.
Recent party events, including November’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, highlighted these dynamics, with calls for youth involvement and generational change.
Analysts note that ODM’s cohesion will be tested as it seeks to maintain its national footprint without Raila Odinga’s unifying presence. Emerging voices, including governors and younger lawmakers, are vying for prominence.
Looking to 2027
As Kenya’s political landscape shifts, ODM aims to project strength. Recent by-election victories have been touted as evidence of the party’s enduring appeal and the benefits of its pragmatic ties with the ruling coalition.
Winnie Odinga warned against premature conclusions from internal debates, insisting ODM remains focused on expanding influence nationwide.
“But the party is okay,” she reiterated. “We are going to have disagreements, but that should not mean people get excited that ODM is falling apart.”
Party sources say leadership is prioritizing cohesion while allowing broad participation, viewing robust debate as a sign of vitality rather than fragmentation.
With elections approaching, ODM’s ability to harness its diverse opinions could determine its role in shaping Kenya’s future opposition politics.
