Winnie Odinga Accuses ODM Leaders of Misusing Raila’s Name for Self-Interest

By Senior Political Affairs Correspondent

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has publicly challenged a group of senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders, accusing them of invoking her late father’s legacy to justify decisions she says serve their own political interests rather than the party’s founding values.

Speaking at a rally held at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, Winnie warned that some party stalwarts were using the name of Raila Odinga, the party’s founder and a towering figure in Kenyan politics, to sanitise decisions that lack genuine grassroots consultation. Her remarks exposed simmering mistrust between the Odinga family and a faction of long-serving party leaders. 

“Stop Cloaking Self-Interest in Baba’s Name”

In a message widely shared on social media, Winnie directly addressed these leaders: “Stop claiming you are following Raila’s orders when you are following your stomachs.” According to her, some figures within ODM are justifying controversial decisions under the guise of loyalty to Odinga’s vision, while in reality advancing their own agendas. 

Her comments were mirrored in a The Star report, which noted that Winnie accused some party bosses of making unilateral decisions without proper grassroots consultation, and when challenged, instructing dissenters to leave the party — a tactic she decried as undemocratic and counterproductive. 

A Broader Party Rift?

Political analysts see Winnie’s intervention as part of a broader internal debate within ODM’s leadership about direction and strategy as the party positions itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. The concerns she raised echo ongoing tensions over how the party balances grassroots mobilisation, leadership decisions, and engagement with potential political realignments. 

Reports also suggest that sections of the party leadership, including senior officials, have engaged in political engagements and decision-making perceived by some as lacking inclusivity, further fueling frustration among grassroots supporters. 

Winnie’s Position: Guardian of a Legacy

Observers interpret Winnie’s statement as her asserting influence over how the “Baba” legacy is protected in contemporary politics — particularly against what she views as tactical manoeuvring by some leaders that could dilute the party’s core principles. This stance aligns with broader concerns among ODM supporters about maintaining unity and ideological clarity in the face of political pressures and evolving alliances. 

She has also publicly dismissed claims that she wants to split the party, insisting instead that her critique is rooted in defending the party’s identity and ensuring that decisions reflect the interests of ordinary members rather than a narrow leadership clique. 

In Summary

• Winnie Odinga accused senior ODM leaders of using Raila Odinga’s name to cover personal political interests. 

• She emphasised that decisions affecting the party should align with grassroots will and party values. 

• Analysts see her comments as part of deepening internal debates within ODM ahead of the 2027 elections.