Quiet manoeuvres to reinstall Raila family at ODM centre

Winnie Odinga, daughter of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, has accepted a nomination by Nairobi ODM officials to vie for the party’s deputy leader position.

The move sets the stage for a possible return of the Raila family to the top leadership of the outfit.

Her acceptance follows a push by Nairobi ODM leaders led by chairman George Aladwa, who urged her to take up the role ahead of the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Addressing delegates during a meeting held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation on Tuesday, Winnie dismissed claims she had left the party, asserting her deep-rooted ties to ODM.

“I hear people here welcoming me to ODM. Where did I go? This is a house that my father built. I, Winnie Odinga, where do I leave this party for?” she posed.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) legislator said she was unaware of the planned nomination prior to the meeting, revealing that Aladwa had reached out to her earlier in the day.

“When I woke up today, I did not know I would be nominated for ODM deputy party leader. It was the chairman who called me,” she said.

Winnie described the party as having regained its original footing, adding that leadership positions should reward loyalty and sacrifice.

She emphasised that individuals who have stood by ODM through difficult times should be prioritised.

“It has been a long journey. We have lost so many people. When it comes to party positions, those who have put their lives on the line for the party should be considered,” she said.

She also signalled her readiness to contest for the position during the party’s NDC scheduled for March 27, referring to the date as “our day”.

The ODM convention is expected to ratify changes in the party leadership structure, including potential amendments to create additional leadership positions.

Currently, ODM has three deputy party leaders: Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi. However, Osotsi is reportedly leaning towards a faction associated with embattled secretary general Edwin Sifuna, deepening divisions within the party.

Winnie’s entry into the race has come as a surprise to some political observers, particularly amid perceptions she had previously leaned towards the Sifuna-led camp.

The faction has already announced plans to hold a parallel NDC on the same day, signalling a potential showdown within ODM ranks.

Aladwa defended Winnie’s nomination, noting she had been incorporated as a delegate representing Kibra constituency following the passing of her father.

He maintained the push for her candidacy was driven by party members rather than personal ambition.

“She has not talked to anybody to propose her name. It is us who have asked her to go for that position,” Aladwa said.

He said Winnie represents not only Nairobi interests but also the youth and women demographics within the party, making her a suitable candidate for the role.

According to him, party officials are considering constitutional amendments to formally create an additional deputy party leader position, potentially reserved for a woman.

“I know people will start saying there are many people from the Odinga family in the leadership of the party. But Winnie is quality. She has earned the position as Winnie,” he said.

The meeting brought together ODM chairpersons from all 17 Nairobi constituencies, alongside leaders from the women and youth leagues, as well as members of county assembly.

Former Embakasi South MP and ODM Nairobi organising secretary Irshadali Sumra used the occasion to call for unity within the party, urging leaders allied to rival factions to return.

“We are asking Babu and Sifuna to come back to ODM. Babu, my son, your future is in ODM. Raila brought us together. Allow us to bring everyone back to the party,” he said.

The developments underscore growing political realignments within ODM as the party prepares for its crucial convention, which is expected to shape its leadership and direction ahead of future electoral contests.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Winnie Odinga has accepted nomination by Nairobi ODM leaders led by George Aladwa to vie for deputy party leader ahead of the March 27 convention. Her bid signals a potential return of the Raila Odinga family to top leadership. Backed as a youth and women’s representative, her entry comes amid internal divisions, with a rival faction allied to Edwin Sifuna planning a parallel convention, exposing deepening cracks within ODM.