ODM leaders traded sharp words during the party's 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, where MP Millie Odhiambo confronted MCA Robert Alai over his attacks on Winnie Odinga. Alai questioned Winnie's political experience within the party. The dispute highlighted growing tensions amid the event.
During the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa on November 15, 2025, first-time MCA Robert Alai sparked controversy by questioning Winnie Odinga's political experience and influence within the party, criticizing senior members for allowing the late Raila Odinga's daughter to lecture them after her speech.
In response, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, a defender of women leaders, warned Alai publicly. "Before I finish, I would like to warn the person who attacked Winnie Odinga. I am a defender of women, and I want to say this, Alai, you like harassing women, but where Millie is, we will deal with you head-on," Odhiambo said. She emphasized that Winnie remains a central figure as "the heart of Baba" and that Alai's comments were culturally insensitive, coming exactly one month after Raila Odinga's death.
The dispute escalated on social media, where Alai linked certain leaders to Winnie's earlier allegations that some ODM members were secretly plotting to 'sell the party'. Odhiambo reiterated her stance on Facebook: “Robert Alai, you are used to attacking women and getting away with it… Winnie did not attack Governor Gladys Wanga. You are in fact implicitly attacking Wanga,” she wrote. “It is exactly one month since Winnie lost her dad. It is uncouth and uncultured to attack her… Bring it on. I am waiting.”
This altercation occurred amid broader tensions in ODM, including recent leadership changes such as the approval of Oburu Odinga as party leader. Other leaders like Siaya Governor James Orengo and Winnie stressed unity and opposition to the Ruto administration, insisting ODM is not for sale. Orengo stated, “We hear people talking about agreements with the government... We will not be silenced.” Winnie dismissed claims of division: “ODM was built on struggles... This is a people's party.”
Additionally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticized the leadership appointments and vowed protests against the high cost of living. ODM also clarified its youth leadership, confirming Johnmark Ketorah as Youth League President, not Kasmuel McOure.