Winnie Odinga, youngest daughter of the late Raila Odinga, has accused ODM leaders of trying to oust dissatisfied members. Speaking at a rally in Kibera, Nairobi, she stressed the need for dialogue and unity within the party. This comes as ODM negotiates potential coalitions with UDA ahead of the 2027 elections.
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), spoke at a rally in the Kamkunji area of Kibera, Nairobi. She accused Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders of attempting to oust dissatisfied members, contradicting party leader Oburu Odinga's earlier remarks that unhappy members should leave. "Nobody will be removed from the party. They talk too much, and when we ask questions they tell us to leave the party. If we leave, who will they remain with? This is a people's party, and when we leave, we will leave with the people," Winnie stated.
She warned that no one could replace Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025, and urged leaders not to imitate his style. Winnie called for unity and dialogue to save the party, saying, "Raila left us just a while ago. Relax, why are you in a hurry? Let us talk first, come to an agreement, so that we can move on together. As a family, we do not belong to any faction. We remain team Raila."
The crowd cheered when she conveyed greetings from Embakasi MP Babu Owino and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and she promised to join them at the next rally. On cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), she said Raila had not publicly declared support, criticizing claims that he had abandoned members to back President William Ruto.
This comes as Oburu Odinga, at a rally in Kakamega, demanded equitable power sharing in any talks with UDA. The developments highlight deepening cracks in ODM since Raila's death, with some members backing the Kenya Kwanza administration while others seek to return to the party's roots. Analysts like Caroli Omondi and Caleb Amisi have warned against rushing into alliances, saying it could damage Raila's legacy and weaken the party.
