The internal wrangles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) intensified on Sunday after Winnie Odinga and her brother Raila Odinga Jr publicly weighed in, cautioning party leaders against what they described as efforts to silence dissenting voices. Speaking during public engagements in Nairobi’s Kibra constituency, the Odinga siblings accused a faction within the party of plotting to sideline youthful leaders, specifically naming ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Warning Against Purge of Dissenters
The two warned that attempts to push out outspoken members risk eroding ODM’s democratic foundation and betraying the values upon which the party was built. In her first major political address in Kibra since the passing of her father, longtime ODM leader Raila Odinga, Winnie addressed supporters at Kamukunji Grounds and made it clear that she has no intention of abandoning the party.
Accusations of Opportunism
Flanked by Raila Jr, Winnie accused unnamed individuals of taking advantage of the period following her father’s death to push personal political agendas. She warned against turning ODM into a vehicle for individual gain.
You cannot replicate Baba. ODM is not for sale and cannot be hijacked. We asked for time to mourn, but some chose not to wait
Winnie Odinga Raila Odinga Jr echoed her sentiments, insisting that freedom of expression must be protected within the party and rejecting any moves to discipline or expel members over differing opinions.
Backing Sifuna and Babu Owino
Winnie openly aligned herself with the faction associated with Sifuna and Babu Owino, saying both leaders have her full support. She also conveyed greetings from their mother, Ida Odinga, to ODM supporters.
Matter Headed to Party Conference
The EALA legislator announced plans to raise the issue at the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC), where she intends to challenge what she termed rising sycophancy and the distortion of her father’s political legacy.
Nationwide Consultations Planned
Earlier in the day, Winnie and Raila Jr attended a Thanksgiving service at ACK Holy Trinity Church before proceeding to Kibra. She later revealed plans to launch a series of consultative meetings across the country to gather views from ODM supporters, signaling a more active role in shaping the party’s direction as internal tensions continue.
