ODM at 20: Anniversary Event Exposes Deepening Rift Over Party Leadership

ODM’s twentieth-anniversary event in Mombasa exposed growing divisions within the party over its leadership and political direction.

The celebration, intended to mark two decades of the party’s activities, instead highlighted disagreements on whether ODM should formalise its cooperation with President William Ruto as he prepares for a possible second-term bid. The debate unfolded against the backdrop of succession questions following the death of party founder Raila Odinga.

Tensions have emerged within the Odinga family. Winnie Odinga, an EALA MP and Raila’s youngest daughter, opposed the confirmation of her uncle, Dr Oburu Oginga, as party leader. She called for a National Delegates Conference to elect new officials, arguing that leadership decisions should rest with delegates rather than with what she termed closed-door arrangements.

Her position aligns with that of Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who has signalled interest in a 2027 presidential run. Both women represent a younger, reform-minded faction advocating broader participation in party processes.

Dr Oburu sought to ease the disagreement, describing Winnie’s concerns as issues that could be resolved through discussion. At the ODM Founders Dinner, Raila Odinga Junior attempted to ease the family divide, backing Dr Oburu while recognising Winnie’s growing political role.

Within ODM’s formal hierarchy, Dr Oburu enjoys support from senior leaders including Governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati, national chairperson Gladys Wanga, and Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho. Long-serving figures such as John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed have also endorsed him, citing the need for discipline and respect for the party’s leadership.

Joho encouraged Dr Oburu to remain firm, while Mbadi reminded members that ODM’s tradition of activism has always been accompanied by dialogue. Junet reiterated that coalition-building remains central to ODM’s mission, stating that the party was created to seek political power rather than remain in permanent opposition.

A second group is associated with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Winnie Odinga, Ruth Odinga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. This faction stresses renewal and inclusivity, with Osotsi urging the party to remain focused on its grassroots base as it plans for the next two decades.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, in remarks delivered by Sifuna, urged ODM to uphold Raila Odinga’s legacy. He described Raila as central to Kenya’s long struggle for justice and reform and said his absence continues to be felt nationwide. Uhuru called on the party to carry forward Raila’s goals of democracy, accountability and inclusion, and set out a vision of a country where justice is accessible to all.