‘ You cannot replace my dad’, Winnie Odinga tells Oburu Odinga
The tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM-) party escalated on Sunday, January 18, when Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, accused some party leaders of trying to push out their fellow members.
At a rally in Kibira’s Kamkunji area, Winnie, who happens to be the youngest daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, seemed to contradict the party leader Oburu Odinga’s comments about those looking to leave the party.
With conviction, Winnie stated that no one would be expelled from the party, emphasizing that even Raila Odinga would have opposed anyone being kicked out.
“Nobody will be removed from the party. They talk to much, and when we ask questions they tell us to leave the party. If we leave, who will they remain with? This is a people’s party, and when we leave, we will leave with the people,” Winnie stated.
The MP firmly stated that no one can take Raila Odinga’s place, pointing fingers at some party leaders for trying to mimic the former Prime Minister.
She encouraged locals to register as voters, hinting at a potential political move in Nairobi County as we approach the 2027 elections, although the former Premier’s daughter chose not to reveal her plans. Additionally, she urged the ODM to gather the National Delegates Committee (NDC).
On the topic of the party’s internal conflicts, she emphasized the need for open dialogue, asserting that only through conversation can the party find its way. She criticized the top leadership for pulling in different directions, which has left ordinary members feeling confused.
“Raila left us just a while ago. Relax, why are you in a hurry? Let us talk first, come to an agreement, so that we can move on together. As a family, we do not belong to any faction. We remain team Raila,” she added.
One memorable moment during Winnie Odinga’s speech was when the crowd burst into cheers as she shared greetings from Embakasi MP Babu Owino and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The lawmaker cleverly hinted at a potential partnership with these two leaders by promising to join them at the next rally in Kamkunji.
Regarding the party’s relationship with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Winnie pointed out that Raila has not officially announced any support for a formal alliance. She took a jab at those who claimed Raila had abandoned them to back President William Ruto, calling such statements disrespectful.
“Raila was one in a million. We will never get anyone like like him. You cannot copy-paste Raila,” she asserted.
Winnie’s comments came just a week after ODM leadership visited the same area, where ODM leader Oburu Odinga told party members who were dissenting to leave if they wished. However, Oburu made it clear that he had no plans to kick anyone out of ODM.
The party has been dealing with internal conflicts, especially following the passing of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga, in October 2025. During and after his funeral, divisions within the party became more apparent, with some members supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration while others pushed for a return to the grassroots to forge a new path toward the 2027 elections.
As Winnie toured Kibera alongside her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, the ODM leadership was in Kakamega for a Linda Ground Rally, where they were working to gather support and listen to members’ opinions as the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
‘ You cannot replace my dad’, Winnie Odinga tells Oburu Odinga
