In a fiery political rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera, Nairobi, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga strongly criticised a faction of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders for claiming that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left them in the broad-based government under President William Ruto. Winnie insisted that these claims are misleading, divisive, and disrespectful to both her father’s legacy and the founding principles of the party.
Speaking to a large crowd on Saturday, January 18, 2026, Winnie Odinga urged ODM leaders to stop using Raila’s name to justify political alignments. She stressed that her father never instructed anyone to abandon ODM’s ideals or pledge loyalty to those in power for convenience, asserting that Raila stood for principle and service to the people. Her remarks come as the party grapples with internal debates over its direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
🔥 Winnie Odinga Condemns Opportunism Within ODM
During the rally, Winnie Odinga delivered one of her most forceful speeches since her father’s death, directly addressing leaders who claim that Raila left them in the broad-based government. She rejected the notion that ODM members were expected to support the ruling coalition blindly, insisting that such narratives are a distortion of history.
“They have forgotten the history of ODM. Raila stood with the people during difficult times, and when the country needed calm, he acted — but he never told us to betray our ideals or join any political faction blindly,” Winnie said to cheers from the crowd.
She emphasised that Raila’s engagement with the broad-based government was about promoting national unity, not about abandoning the party’s core mission. According to Winnie, any attempts to use Raila’s name to justify political opportunism are a betrayal of both his legacy and ODM’s supporters.
🟠 A Message of Inclusion and Party Unity
Winnie Odinga also reassured ODM members that no one will be forced out of the party for holding differing political views. She criticised threats from party leaders who have suggested that dissenting voices could be marginalised, calling instead for dialogue and unity within ODM.
“We were passengers and Baba was the driver. When he passed, some rushed to grab the steering wheel and pull the party in different directions. But this is a people’s party — a party of ideals,” she said, earning applause from supporters.
Her remarks highlighted her belief that ODM should remain inclusive and democratic, allowing all members to contribute to the party’s decisions without fear of exclusion. Winnie also called for the National Delegates Conference (NDC) to address internal divisions and chart a clear path for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
📊 Deepening Divisions Within ODM
Winnie Odinga’s speech comes amid growing tension in ODM over its future direction. Since Raila’s death in October 2025, factions have emerged with differing views on whether the party should continue cooperating with the ruling coalition or take a more independent stance.
- Pro-Broad-Based Government Faction: Led by leaders such as Oburu Oginga and other senior figures, this group argues that Raila’s decision to engage in the broad-based government should guide ODM’s strategy. They maintain that working with the government helps promote national cohesion and influence.
- Independent Faction: Including Winnie Odinga and other emerging voices, this group contends that Raila never endorsed long-term loyalty to the ruling coalition. They advocate for ODM to remain principle-driven, focusing on party independence and grassroots support ahead of 2027.
Political analysts warn that without a unifying figure, ODM risks fracturing along these lines. The next NDC is expected to be highly contested as leaders and supporters negotiate the party’s strategy, leadership, and approach to alliances.
📣 Reactions From Supporters
Supporters have reacted strongly to Winnie Odinga’s remarks, reflecting the party’s internal debate.
🗣️ Grassroots Supporters
Many ODM supporters praised Winnie Odinga for her courage and commitment to her father’s legacy. They commended her insistence that Raila’s name should not be exploited for political gain and saw her speech as a call to preserve the party’s integrity.
One supporter commented, “Winnie is speaking the truth we’ve all felt — Raila was never a sycophant, and his name should not be twisted to justify deals that betray ODM’s core mission.”
🗣️ Critics
Some political commentators questioned whether Winnie’s public intervention could deepen internal divisions, arguing that party disagreements should be handled through formal structures rather than at public rallies. Others noted that her stance reflects broader generational changes in ODM, with younger leaders advocating for principle-driven politics over strategic alliances.
🏛️ Implications for 2027 Elections
Winnie Odinga’s speech signals that ODM’s internal debates will intensify as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. Her insistence on party independence and adherence to Raila’s principles could shape the party’s strategy and influence its choice of alliances.
Political observers suggest that Winnie’s growing public profile and vocal stance may position her as a key influencer within ODM, especially among younger party members and grassroots supporters. By emphasising the importance of dialogue, transparency, and democratic processes, she is framing ODM as a party that honours its legacy while preparing for a competitive electoral landscape.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Winnie Odinga publicly criticised ODM leaders who claim Raila left them in the broad-based government.
- She stressed that Raila never instructed anyone to abandon ODM’s principles.
- Winnie called for unity and inclusion, warning against using Raila’s name for political convenience.
- She urged the party to hold a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to resolve internal divisions.
- The speech highlights deepening factions within ODM, reflecting competing visions for the 2027 elections.
- Supporters praised her courage, while critics warned public disagreements may intensify internal tensions.
Winnie Odinga’s rally at Kamukunji Grounds demonstrates that ODM’s post-Raila era is entering a critical phase. Her focus on principle, party unity, and grassroots empowerment suggests that she intends to play a central role in shaping the party’s path toward 2027.
