NAIROBI, Kenya — Delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi have endorsed Winnie Odinga for the position of deputy party leader, signaling a significant shift in the party’s leadership dynamics.
The endorsement was made during a consultative meeting bringing together representatives from all 17 constituencies in the capital, who unanimously backed the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP for the influential role.
Push for Nairobi Representation
Nairobi ODM leaders said the decision followed months of consultations to ensure the city has a voice in the party’s top leadership structures.
Makadara MP George Aladwa, who chairs ODM in Nairobi, said the region had been left without adequate representation following recent changes in the party.
“We have had several meetings… every region has representation in the party, but Nairobi has been left without one,” Aladwa said while announcing the endorsement.
He added that delegates had agreed to present Winnie Odinga as the preferred candidate to fill the leadership gap and represent Nairobi’s interests at the national level.
Rising Influence Within ODM
The endorsement places Winnie at the centre of ODM’s decision-making structures, where she is expected to sit in key organs such as the National Executive Committee and the Central Committee if confirmed.
She currently serves as an EALA MP, having been elected in 2022, which marks her growing influence in regional and national politics.
Political observers say her endorsement also reflects a broader generational shift within ODM, with younger leaders increasingly seeking a bigger role in shaping the party’s future direction.
Winnie is the daughter of the former prime minister, the late Raila Odinga.
Party Reorganisation
The move comes at a time when ODM is undergoing internal reorganisation following leadership changes, with Oburu Odinga currently serving as party leader following Raila Odinga’s death.
Delegates expressed confidence that Winnie Odinga’s elevation would strengthen Nairobi’s influence within the party and help stabilise internal structures ahead of upcoming political processes.
The endorsement is expected to be tabled before the party’s formal organs for ratification, potentially paving the way for Winnie to assume a top leadership position in ODM.
