GATANGA — In the misty hills of Murang’a County, Winnie Odinga didn’t just speak; she closed ranks. Ending weeks of fevered speculation about a power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP declared unwavering loyalty to her uncle and current Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga, asserting that the Odinga family remains a singular, unbreakable political unit.

The declaration, made on Saturday in Gatanga, serves as a critical stabilizer for Kenya’s largest opposition party, which has been navigating choppy waters since the passing of its founder, Raila Odinga, in October. For the average Kenyan, a united opposition is not just political theatre; it is the only guarantee of a government kept in check—a vital necessity as the cost of living continues to dominate kitchen-table conversations from Kibra to Kisumu.

Blood and Politics

Winnie’s address was emotional and definitive, designed to bury rumors that she was leading a youthful faction against the party’s old guard. She described Dr. Oburu not merely as a political successor, but as the custodian of the family’s legacy.

“The party leader is my uncle. There is no day I will be in a faction he is not in,” Winnie asserted, her voice cutting through the damp Gatanga air. “He is the head of my family, and I am always with him. That is the faction I belong to.”

She further humanized the relationship, adding a poignant reminder of the family's recent loss: “I love him. He is the only father I have left.”

This public endorsement is significant. Analysts had warned that a rift between the fiery, youthful Winnie and the seasoned, cautious Oburu could fracture ODM, potentially handing the ruling coalition a walkover in the 2027 General Election. By consolidating her support behind Oburu, Winnie has effectively signaled to the party’s reported 8 million members that the command center remains intact.

The Mombasa Spark

The rumors of division were not baseless. They stemmed from Winnie’s own remarks during the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa last month. At the time, she had questioned whether the current leadership possessed the unique statecraft required to manage the party’s complex “broad-based” cooperation pact with President William Ruto’s government—a deal originally cut by her late father.

Her call then for a National Delegates Convention (NDC) was interpreted by many as a vote of no confidence in Dr. Oburu. However, in Gatanga, she reframed those earlier comments as healthy democratic discourse rather than rebellion.

• Democratic Health: “A party with over 8 million members will have disagreements,” she noted. “That doesn’t mean ODM is falling apart.”
• The Mission: She emphasized that the ultimate goal remains capturing state power in 2027, a feat that requires “all hands on deck.”
• Legacy: “Baba [Raila] built this house, and nobody is leaving,” she affirmed.

The 2027 Calculus

For the Kenyan voter, the stability of ODM is directly linked to the country's democratic health. A fractured opposition often leads to unchecked government policies, which can translate into higher taxes and reduced service delivery. Winnie’s alignment with Oburu suggests a strategy of continuity, aiming to keep the party’s traditional base energized while navigating the delicate cooperation with the government.

Dr. Oburu Oginga, who has advocated for a steady hand and internal dialogue, welcomed the show of unity. The party is now expected to focus on grassroots recruitment and clarifying its stance on the Finance Bill 2026, a key concern for wananchi struggling with the cost of unga and fuel.

As the dust settles in Gatanga, the message to ODM’s rivals is clear: The dynasty may be mourning, but it is not divided. As Winnie concluded, “We are together. We sit together. We will make a party that truly covers the width and breadth of this country.”