Winnie: Only the NDC can confirm ODM leadership

EALA MP Winnie Odinga has warned that the hasty attempt to replace Raila Odinga with his brother Oburu Odinga as the ODM party leader did not follow established party procedures and therefore lacked legitimacy.

In a move that could further deepen the fissures in the party, Winnie insisted that Oburu was only holding the position in an acting capacity, pending a decision by the National Delegates Conference (NDC).

She has now added more fuel to the raging fire amid efforts by Oburu to unite the two ODM factions in the Odinga family and the wider ODM fraternity.

Speaking during an Interview on Tuesday, Winnie referred to Oburu as a transitional party leader pointing out that the substantive leadership of the party would be decided by the NDC.

“Oburu remains the acting ODM party leader unless ratified by the NDC. ODM has clear structures and processes. Any leadership transition must respect those institutions,” she said.

She also accused a section of the leaders in ODM of going contrary to the ideals of the party, and emphasised the need to steer the party in line with its Constitution. 

“The matter is people misrepresenting themselves and moving in a manner that I feel is not respectful to the creeds of the party. I don’t believe they’ve acted in a matter that was respectful to the wishes and creed of the former party leader (Raila). I also know for a fact that they’re not being respectful to the Constitution of ODM,” she added.

She also questioned actions of the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Central Management Committee in the recent past, noting that the two party organs cannot lawfully act on behalf of the party without ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).

“The Constitution of ODM says that no member of the Central Committee or the NEC is able to act on behalf of the party of ODM unless they’re ratified by the NDC,” added Winnie.

The NEC convened a meeting at Fort Jesus grounds in Mombasa last November, where Oburu was unanimously endorsed as the Party Leader to take over from his deceased brother. The NEC, which is also the National Governing Council, also approved other leadership changes.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, his Kisii counterpart Simba Arati, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi were also ratified as deputy party leaders. Others ratified were Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga and Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu to the positions of Deputy Organising Secretary and Secretary of Political Affairs, respectively.

Two factions separated by ideological differences emerged, both seeking to take over the party. One led by Oburu has also began the process of forming a coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) while the other wing led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, that is supported by Winnie, wants the party to chart its own course.

Party followers have also been thrown into disarray as both factions continue holding charged rallies, the Oburu rallying crowds with the Linda Ground (Protect the grassroots) call, as their rival continue demanding for an NDC to be convened.

But to forestall any further fallout, Oburu has since convened a family meeting on Saturday, February 1, 2026, with the hope that emerging differences will be addressed.

“The internal family conversation as I said are issues which are important to resolve and I'm equal to the task. I called a meeting on 1st February where we are going to deal with those issues,” Oburu stated last Saturday.

He addded: “Young people sometimes express divergent views, I will talk to them. They have a lot of time, some of us are just holding for them and we love them. They're my children and I cannot utter anything against them. If they want any advice, I'm there for them."

But while denying any claims of a feud with Oburu, Winnie categorically ruled out the possibility of discussing the party’s future at the intended family parley. She cautioned that matters concerning ODM can only be discussed in public and not at a family gathering.

“If there was a family feud, I doubt he would be telling me that in public. He is a funny guy. Issues at home are discussed at home, but party matters are not discussed in the family setting,” she said.

 On the proposed political pact between the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM, Winnie urged her party to put its house in order before entering any coalition agreements ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She called for the convening of a National Delegates Conference to guide such decisions.

“ODM has not fulfilled its mandate in an open manner. The problem is people misrepresenting themselves and acting in ways that are not respectful of the party’s constitution and values,” she said.

Despite her criticism, Winnie praised Oburu’s leadership during the transition period, saying he is “steadying the ship” as acting party leader.

She also weighed in on the recent nomination of her mother, Ida Odinga, as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), dismissing claims that the appointment was a political reward.

“I am extremely proud of her, and so is the entire family. She deserves it. For more than 40 years, she has stood firm, remained loyal and fought for the rights of women in this country,” Winnie said.