Winnie Odinga warn of party betrayal as ODM rift deepens

EALA MP Winnie Odinga on Sunday joined her older brother, Raila Odinga Jr., to meet Kibra residents, using the forum to raise concerns over what she described as growing unilateral decision-making by some leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

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Speaking at Kamukunji Grounds, Winnie faulted some party leaders for holding political engagements and making far-reaching decisions without consulting ordinary members.

“They talk a lot and make bad decisions in the party, yet when we ask them questions, they tell us to leave the party. If we leave the party, who will remain? This party is for the citizens of Kenya,” she said.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of a recent political meeting at the same venue held by a section of ODM members led by Oburu Oginga, the party’s deputy leader, where residents were addressed on possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Winnie framed her address as a call to defend ODM’s identity, arguing that the party was built on collective struggle, public participation, and loyalty to ideals championed by its founder, Raila Odinga.

She said recent developments had exposed leaders who, in her view, had forgotten how the party was formed and the sacrifices made by grassroots supporters.

Referencing a song once popular with her late father, Winnie quoted Hatutishwi by the late Kenyan Boomba Trian sensation E-sir to dismiss what she described as intimidation and political pressure.

“You are not threatening me, and you are not making me afraid,” she said, likening the current state of the party to a vehicle whose driver suddenly died, leaving passengers fighting for control instead of stopping to reflect and agree on a common direction.

She told the crowd that many supporters joined ODM because they believed in Raila Odinga’s vision and teachings but said it had become clear that not everyone shared that belief.

According to Winnie, some leaders had used the party and its founder for personal gain, only to abandon their responsibilities when it mattered most.

“During times of crisis, it is the wananchi who go to the streets to demonstrate,” she said. “But when we ask questions, we are told to leave the party. Baba never wanted anyone to be pushed out.”

Winnie stressed that ODM belongs to the citizens and warned that sidelining loyal members could lead to widespread disengagement. She urged residents, especially women, youth and the elderly, to remain politically alert, ensure they have national identity cards and voter registration documents, and prepare for the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Raila Odinga Jr. echoed her remarks, calling for unity, dialogue, and respect for party structures. He emphasised that internal differences should be resolved through consultation rather than public declarations that risk dividing supporters.

Winnie also delivered greetings from Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, assuring Kibra residents that the party leadership remains engaged with grassroots concerns.

She further conveyed greetings from her mother, Ida Odinga, and reflected on the personal toll of a difficult period after the death of Raila, saying she had not found peace but continued to draw strength from the support of ODM followers.

The Kibra rally highlighted simmering tensions within ODM as debates intensify over the party’s future direction, internal democracy, and political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.