MOMBASA, Kenya – East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has expressed deep gratitude to supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) for standing with her family following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday during the opening of the ODM@20 celebrations, Winnie said the outpouring of sympathy from across the country had strengthened the family as they continue to mourn the veteran opposition figure, who died on October 15, 2025.
“I would like to thank you for standing with my family when we lost Baba. I know we can all feel the grief,” she said, addressing hundreds of youth, women and party supporters.
Winnie noted that the late Raila, fondly known as Baba, was more than a political leader to many Kenyans—especially young party members whom she said regarded him as a mentor and guide.
“I have received your messages of condolence, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much,” she said, adding that the family had been moved by condolence videos shared across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms.
Calls for unity amid reports of division
Responding to reports of internal wrangles, Winnie dismissed claims of betrayal and insisted the party remained intact despite the emotional turbulence following Raila’s passing.
Referencing Raila’s famous phrase kelele ya chura, she said confusion was normal during moments of collective grief but would not derail ODM’s rebuilding efforts.
“ODM was not made in a bedroom, so its future will not be discussed as pillow talk,” she said. “ODM has been the heartbeat of the Kenyan people for 20 years. Born from protest, raised in resistance. People have bled, sweated and shed tears for this country.”
She rejected portrayals of ODM as chaotic, arguing that nation-building “is untidy, inconvenient and uncomfortable.”
“We are sorry that we don’t always get it right—poleni. But we will never be sorry for being inconvenient,” she said.
Youth urged to carry the party forward
Winnie praised the commitment of ODM youth, saying their presence at the celebrations despite the party’s bereavement showed conviction and loyalty.
“It means something that after Baba’s death, these young people are seated in this place because they have conviction,” she said.
She urged young supporters to continue engaging older mentors in their communities, noting that intergenerational wisdom remained key to strengthening the party.
“We need to make this party strong all over the country until the heavens so Baba can hear us,” she said.
The ODM@20 celebrations, marking two decades since the party’s founding, run until November 16, 2025.
