Why Winnie Odinga has triggered unease in Ruto, ODM circles

Winnie Odinga has triggered political anxiety in both ODM and President William Ruto's camp days after her fiery remarks appeared to align with the ODM faction resisting the broad-based government.

Winnie, the youngest child of the late opposition icon, Raila Odinga, stunned delegates during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa with her unapologetic assertiveness.

She suggested that her family may not be comfortable with ODM's unconditional support for Ruto's re-election and alleged a bid to "sell the party" 

“ODM is not a party that was secretly birthed. I am informed that some of us walk with us during the day, but at night hatch plans to sell the party. That will not be possible; the party was not born in a boardroom,” she said.

Her remarks signaled clear sympathy for the anti-Ruto bloc inside the party — a camp openly opposed to ODM’s perceived warming up to the government.

Analysts say her seeming entry into this faction could complicate Ruto’s strategy of courting ODM support and inheriting Raila’s traditional political strongholds.

“Remember, what Winnie says is what Mama Ida is saying. If Winnie teams up with the likes of [secretary general] Edwin Sifuna, that is the direction ODM will go — and it will be a tough one for Ruto,” political analyst Martin Andati observed.

The anxiety in ODM is that she was the closest to Raila.

As such, if she decides to oppose Ruto, none of the political heavyweights would contradict her on the position the former PM would have taken.

Winnie is also youthful and has the gift of the garb, and could easily team up with other anti-Ruto forces within ODM.

University don Macharia Munene argued that Winnie is emerging as the female version of her late father, citing her boldness and political language.

“Winnie Odinga is youthful and speaks like her father. She speaks the way her father spoke. She was close to the father and, therefore, she knows what her father wanted,” he said.

Munene added that Winnie is drawing strength from her mother, Ida Odinga, and appears keen to align with youthful voices in the party.

“Winnie is youthful. She knows that most youths — Gen Z — are not supporting Ruto, and that is where she wants to align,” he noted.

The party remains divided over whether to back the broad-based government or support Ruto’s re-election bid.

Key officials, including Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, have publicly rejected the idea.

However, party leader Oburu Oginga – Raila’s elder brother – party chairperson Gladys Wanga, and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed are keen to work with and support Ruto’s re-election.

During the celebration, Winnie projected a confidence reminiscent of her father, reinforcing perceptions that she is positioning herself as a key voice in the party’s future.

She urged ODM leaders to consult delegates before committing the party to any power-sharing arrangement.

According to her, the broad-based deal was a complex setup understood and managed solely by Raila Odinga.

“When it came to the matter of the broad-based government, the people of ODM entrusted one person with managing that relationship — Baba Raila Amollo Odinga,” she said.

“That relationship is complicated. Those taking it upon themselves to manage it now — are they capable? That is for the people of ODM to decide.”

Winnie also took a swipe at leaders she suggested were secretly aiding the pro-government faction through “pillow talk,” vowing that any attempt to “sell” the party would be fiercely resisted.

For years, Winnie was considered one of Raila’s closest advisers, often accompanying him on campaign tours and playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role.

Her nomination to the East African Legislative Assembly in 2022 was widely seen as the clearest indication that she was being groomed for a political career.

Her re-emergence as a vocal power centre within ODM now raises fresh questions about the stability of Ruto’s outreach strategy — and whether ODM’s succession battles will derail the President’s broader political calculus.

However, Winnie’s moves have been met with both praise and intense criticism.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai downplayed Winnie’s influence, describing her as inexperienced and unqualified to direct party affairs.

“Winnie Odinga doesn’t have the political experience to give anyone direction in ODM. She isn’t even a party official,” Alai remarked, questioning how seasoned politicians could sit back as she issued what he termed political admonitions.

However, those critical of Winnie were immediately countered by her defenders—chief among them Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, who issued a strongly worded statement condemning what he termed “Ruto-sponsored ODM nincompoops” attacking Raila’s daughter.

Amisi described Winnie as a true heir of Raila’s political spirit; someone who had endured tear gas, political hostility, and personal sacrifice alongside her father.

“Winnie Odinga has been the pillar of her father; Baba died in her hands. I have seen her endure tear gas and shield the father from political mandarins,” he said.

According to Amisi, those attacking her had never believed in Raila’s ideals and were now revealing their intentions to weaken the party.

“These ODM sell-outs only show how Baba was surrounded by parasites and not disciples,” he said, insisting that Raila’s political vision would endure through individuals like Winnie.

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo also came to the defence of Winnie, telling off those targeting her over her remarks.

"I want to warn that person attacking Winnie and the women. You like harassing women, but where Millie Odhiambo is, we will deal with you head-on," Odhiambo said.