Nairobi, Kenya- East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has pushed back against claims of growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting the party remains united under its current leadership.
Speaking on Saturday in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Winnie said her political and personal allegiance to ODM leader Oburu Odinga was unwavering, dismissing talk of factions within the party.
“The party leader is my uncle. There is no day I will be in a faction he is not in. He is the head of my family, and I am always with him,” she said.
Winnie argued that internal debate and competition were normal in democratic politics and should not be mistaken for disunity. According to her, differing opinions within ODM reflect healthy engagement rather than a party in crisis.
She maintained that ODM continues to draw its strength from the values instilled by its founder, Raila Odinga, and is guided by collective leadership rather than individual interests.
“The party will always have disagreements, but that doesn’t mean ODM is falling apart. Not everybody will think the same, and people are going to compete. Raila taught us what to do,” she said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Winnie said ODM intends to remain competitive nationwide by fielding candidates for all elective positions, insisting that ambition should not be confused with division.
“The purpose of a political party is to capture power — all power. ODM must be competitive and fill candidates everywhere. But that does not mean the party is divided,” she added.
She also took aim at members threatening to exit the party over internal disagreements, suggesting such moves go against the principles taught by Raila Odinga.
Her remarks come amid speculation of tension between her and Oburu Odinga, fueled by earlier comments in which Winnie questioned his suitability to lead the party following Raila’s death. At the time, she had called for a National Delegates Convention to allow party members to chart ODM’s direction.
Those remarks sparked public debate about a possible rift within the Odinga family. Oburu has since sought to downplay the matter, saying discussions would be handled internally.
On Saturday, Winnie appeared keen to shut down the speculation, stressing unity and continuity within ODM as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle.
