Her remarks came during the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, where she suggested that no leader today could match her father’s ability to manage the party and its relationship with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government.
Winnie called for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to allow ODM members to choose a leader who can handle the party’s responsibilities and alliances effectively.
Winnie called for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to allow ODM members to choose a leader who can handle the party’s responsibilities and alliances effectively.
She argued that the late Raila Odinga was the only one capable of navigating the complex political landscape and maintaining ODM’s position within the broad-based government.
"When it came to managing the broad-based government, the people of ODM trusted my father, Raila Odinga. That relationship is complicated. Those handling it now, are they capable? It is for the members to decide. That is why we need an NDC," she said.
In response, ODM leader Oburu Oginga defended his experience and readiness to continue Raila’s legacy. He reminded the party that he had worked closely with Raila for decades and was fully aware of his political strategies.
"I lived with Raila for 80 years. I was always present in all that he did, and I never betrayed him," Oburu said.
"When it came to managing the broad-based government, the people of ODM trusted my father, Raila Odinga. That relationship is complicated. Those handling it now, are they capable? It is for the members to decide. That is why we need an NDC," she said.
In response, ODM leader Oburu Oginga defended his experience and readiness to continue Raila’s legacy. He reminded the party that he had worked closely with Raila for decades and was fully aware of his political strategies.
"I lived with Raila for 80 years. I was always present in all that he did, and I never betrayed him," Oburu said.
He added that as Raila’s elder brother, he had guided him whenever necessary, always showing respect for his decisions and leadership.
Oburu also indicated that he would have a private conversation with Winnie to address her concerns, showing a commitment to keeping family and party unity intact.
Oburu also indicated that he would have a private conversation with Winnie to address her concerns, showing a commitment to keeping family and party unity intact.
He reassured ODM members that he would lead the party with the same pragmatism and determination that characterized Raila’s leadership.
"I heard my daughter Winnie saying that we should find a new leader to manage ODM in the broad-based government. We will discuss this at home. Meanwhile, I will continue to lead like Raila did. I have taken the reins and will work to achieve all that Raila envisioned," he stated firmly.
The exchange reflects a widening debate within ODM about the party’s partnership with the Kenya Kwanza government.
"I heard my daughter Winnie saying that we should find a new leader to manage ODM in the broad-based government. We will discuss this at home. Meanwhile, I will continue to lead like Raila did. I have taken the reins and will work to achieve all that Raila envisioned," he stated firmly.
The exchange reflects a widening debate within ODM about the party’s partnership with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Some factions support maintaining the current collaboration, believing it aligns with Raila’s approach, while others insist that any cooperation must strictly follow ODM’s 10-point agenda and safeguard the party’s independence ahead of future elections.
Oburu urged ODM members to support his leadership as the party navigates these challenges until 2027.
Oburu urged ODM members to support his leadership as the party navigates these challenges until 2027.
He emphasized that while internal discussions are normal, they should not weaken the party’s unity or distract from its long-term goals.
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