Speaking on Saturday, December 13, Winnie clarified that she has always supported Oburu and has no intentions of opposing him.
“The party leader is my uncle, and I love him. He is the only father I have left. I belong to the faction he leads, if there are factions,” she said, addressing concerns that she might be forming a separate group within ODM.
“The party leader is my uncle, and I love him. He is the only father I have left. I belong to the faction he leads, if there are factions,” she said, addressing concerns that she might be forming a separate group within ODM.
Winnie emphasized that any differences in opinion within the party are normal, given its size and diversity.
With over eight million registered members, ODM is one of Kenya’s largest political parties. Winnie explained that occasional disagreements among members are natural but stressed that unity remains the priority.
With over eight million registered members, ODM is one of Kenya’s largest political parties. Winnie explained that occasional disagreements among members are natural but stressed that unity remains the priority.
“We have had differences on some issues, but what matters most is that we stick together and create a party that truly represents the people of Kenya,” she noted.
Her clarification comes weeks after she appeared to question Oburu’s capability to lead ODM following the death of her father, the late Raila Odinga.
Her clarification comes weeks after she appeared to question Oburu’s capability to lead ODM following the death of her father, the late Raila Odinga.
During ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa in October, Winnie highlighted the unique leadership skills her father had, suggesting that no current leader matched his calibre.
She called for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to allow party members to formally choose leadership.
“In matters concerning the broad-based government, ODM placed its trust in one individual, Raila Amolo Odinga. That relationship is complex. Now, as others step forward to manage it, we must ask: are they truly equipped for the task? This is for ODM members to decide, which is why I’m calling for an NDC,” she said at the event.
In response, Oburu Oginga defended his leadership and reassured ODM members of his readiness to continue Raila’s legacy. He pointed to his decades of experience alongside his late brother and his deep understanding of Raila’s political strategies.
“In matters concerning the broad-based government, ODM placed its trust in one individual, Raila Amolo Odinga. That relationship is complex. Now, as others step forward to manage it, we must ask: are they truly equipped for the task? This is for ODM members to decide, which is why I’m calling for an NDC,” she said at the event.
In response, Oburu Oginga defended his leadership and reassured ODM members of his readiness to continue Raila’s legacy. He pointed to his decades of experience alongside his late brother and his deep understanding of Raila’s political strategies.
“I lived with Raila for 80 years. I was always by his side and never betrayed him. I respect his leadership and legacy, and I am committed to guiding ODM forward,” he said.
Oburu also mentioned that he planned to address Winnie privately to resolve any misunderstandings. Despite the recent controversy, both agreed that the party’s unity and continued success should take precedence over internal disagreements.
Political analysts say the incident reflects the natural dynamics within large political parties, where family ties and party loyalty often intersect.
Oburu also mentioned that he planned to address Winnie privately to resolve any misunderstandings. Despite the recent controversy, both agreed that the party’s unity and continued success should take precedence over internal disagreements.
Political analysts say the incident reflects the natural dynamics within large political parties, where family ties and party loyalty often intersect.
They note that while ODM is grieving the loss of its founding leader, it is navigating a transition period that requires careful balancing of leadership roles and succession planning.
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