Winnie Odinga dismisses ODM infighting claims, says party united ahead of 2027
EALA MP Winnie Odinga dismisses claims of infighting in ODM, insisting the party is united under Oburu Oginga and will field candidates, including for the presidency, in 2027.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politician Winnie Odinga has dismissed reports of infighting within the party, insisting it remains united under the leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
Speaking over the weekend, Winnie said internal debate and competition are a normal feature of a healthy democratic party. She added that ODM intends to contest power at all levels, including the presidency, in the 2027 elections.
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Her remarks come amid lingering questions over ODM’s working relationship with President William Ruto’s government, an arrangement formed after last year’s nationwide protests that saw some party leaders take up senior government and parliamentary positions.
Political observers have suggested the party’s top leadership may be split over its current role in government. While some favour cooperation with President Ruto, including backing his re-election bid in 2027, others oppose the move, fuelling claims of internal wrangles.
“The purpose of a political party is to capture all power, and I believe ODM must field a candidate everywhere,” she said.
“That is the point of a political party and a democracy. Not everybody will think the same, people are going to compete, and ODM needs to be competitive, and we are.”
Full support for party leader
Winnie further emphasised her close personal and professional relationship with Oburu, affirming her full support for him as party leader.
“The party leader is my uncle; I love him; he is the only father I have left. There's no day I will be in a faction, and he is not there. He is the head of my family, and I am always with him, and that is the faction I belong to,” she said.
“A party with over eight million registered voters—we are going to have disagreements, but that should not mean people get excited that ODM is falling apart.”
She also reflected on the legacy of her late father, Raila Odinga, crediting him with building a resilient party capable of managing internal debate while remaining anchored to its core values.
“Baba (Raila) built this house, and nobody is leaving. He taught us what to do. The only ones who leave are those who have a problem with what he taught us,” she said.
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