NAIROBI, Kenya – East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has lauded her uncle, Dr Oburu Oginga, for his leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during the party’s transition period.
Speaking on Citizen TV, Winnie said Dr Oburu is “steadying the ship” amid challenging times and is making space for younger party leaders.
“I think Dr Oburu Oginga is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period and he is steadying the ship,” she said.
“This is not a very easy ship to steady, but he is weathering the storm and he has said many times that he is acting transitionally and will make space for other young people.”
Winnie highlighted her uncle’s experience and loyalty, noting that at 82, he would not allow his legacy to be undermined by political infighting.
“My uncle has lived a life of determination, strength and loyalty. I would be the last person to allow his legacy to be besmirched by a political tug of war. We are very happy with him being in the position that he is; he is certainly the best person in that position,” she said.
Winnie Odinga: I think Dr Oburu Oginga is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period and he is steadying the ship. This is not a very easy ship to steady, but he is weathering the storm and he has said many times that he is acting transitionally and will make space
Addressing speculation about ODM’s future and internal direction, Odinga clarified that her late father, Raila Odinga, had always respected the right of party members to take different positions after his tenure.
“Baba did not say he left ODM in government. The last thing he said during an ODM PGM was: ‘Who told you ODM will not field a candidate in 2027?’ Those that are now saying otherwise in secret—who told them? Everything he said, he used to say in front of all of us,” she said.
She added, “Raila Odinga was alive to the fact that after his time, people may feel differently and want to take different directions. He believed in the right to do so because it is a democracy.”
Her remarks come as ODM navigates internal debates on leadership succession, strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections, and the role of younger party members in shaping its future.
