“Our family is tight”: Winnie Odinga dismisses feud claims, says there is no rift with Oburu

EALA MP Winnie Odinga has moved to dispel reports of a strained relationship between her and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga.

Winnie insisted that there is no family feud despite growing public debate over their differing political positions.

Speaking during an interview with Citizen TV, Winnie dismissed claims that tensions had emerged following the death of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and the subsequent elevation of Oburu as ODM party leader.

She maintained that disagreements being framed as family fallout are misplaced and exaggerated.

“There is no family feud. If there was a family feud, I doubt he would tell me that in public. He is a funny guy, his humour is different and mambo ya nyumbani tunaongea nyumbani,” Winnie said.

She was categorical that family matters are handled privately and that political disagreements should not be mistaken for personal conflict.

According to Winnie, issues relating to ODM are never discussed at home, underscoring a clear separation between family life and party politics.

“When it comes to the party, any member of the family, party or society is free to discuss,” she said.

Winnie further emphasised that Oburu, whom she described affectionately, respects her right to hold independent views, even when they diverge from his own.

“I believe Dr Oburu would be the first person to defend my right to have different opinions. I love Dr Oburu, he is my only dad, I don’t know why this has become national news,” she said.

Reiterating the strength of family bonds, Winnie added, “I have said it very many times, I love my uncle, our family is tight. This is who we are, and we have absolutely no problem at all.”

Her remarks come against the backdrop of heightened internal debate within ODM.

In past meetings, Winnie has accused some party officials of hijacking the party for personal benefit, a situation she said has resulted in parallel rallies and rising tension.

These statements have fuelled speculation of an internal rift, which Oburu has previously attempted to downplay, describing the differences as a reflection of “democratic diversity” within the party.

Winnie has positioned herself as a younger, reform-minded voice within ODM, increasingly uneasy with elite consensus politics and prolonged accommodation with the ruling establishment.

Her public posture reflects frustration with what she views as the dilution of opposition principles at a time when many supporters expect ODM to present a clear alternative path to power.

She has also expressed concern about the party’s direction, urging patience among members while warning against what she termed party “sellouts.”

Winnie has publicly addressed internal threats within ODM, asserting her position as she navigates debates about the party’s future.

At the same time, she dismissed suggestions that dissenting voices within ODM risk being pushed out, insisting that the party remains inclusive.