ODM Rift: Winnie Odinga and Oburu Oginga Clash Over Party Direction

Winnie Odinga has publicly criticised sections of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership, accusing them of sidelining her family and steering the party away from its founding principles.

Speaking at a rally in Kibra, Nairobi, on Sunday, the East African Legislative Assembly legislator said ODM was increasingly controlled by individuals pursuing personal political interests. She warned that internal decision-making had been captured by a small group that was intolerant of dissent and quick to threaten expulsions.

Ms Odinga said the party had struggled to find direction since the death of her father, Raila Odinga, who led ODM for many years. Using an analogy, she described a leadership vacuum in which those closest to him rushed to take control, while others were marginalised. She said her family had been treated as outsiders despite their long association with the party.

Her remarks echoed earlier comments made in Mombasa late last year, when she warned against what she described as the “auctioning” of ODM. On Sunday, she said her family was not aligned to any emerging faction within the party, but remained loyal to what she called “Team Baba”, which she described as a commitment to Raila Odinga’s ideals rather than to individuals. 

She accused some leaders of exploiting the party for personal benefit while falsely claiming closeness to her father. The rally also featured criticism from Raila Odinga Jr, who faulted Kibra’s local leadership for failing to provide basic services, including water and electricity. He said these shortcomings contradicted his father’s vision for improved infrastructure, housing and employment opportunities for young people.

Nairobi County Assembly Majority Whip Moses Ogeto called for Winnie Odinga to be formally included in ODM’s leadership. He said her participation was necessary to protect the party’s core values and maintain continuity with its original mission.

Divisions within ODM have also been evident outside Nairobi.

 In Kakamega County, party leader Dr Oburu Oginga has been attempting to reconcile rival groups linked to Governor Fernandes Barasa and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Efforts to project unity faltered over the weekend when Mr Oparanya left a meeting before being invited to speak at an event attended by Mr Barasa.

Dr Oginga has urged dissatisfied members to leave the party peacefully rather than create internal discord, stressing the importance of unity ahead of the National Delegates Conference. His position contrasts with Winnie Odinga’s view that open disagreement should not be suppressed and that internal debate is necessary for the party’s stability.