The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) continues to grapple with deepening internal divisions following the death of its long-time leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025.
Once regarded as one of Kenya’s most formidable political movements, the party is now facing an intense power struggle that threatens to redefine its future direction.
At the centre of the growing rift are two prominent members of the Odinga family: EALA MP Winnie Odinga, Raila’s daughter, and Oburu Odinga, Raila’s younger brother.
Oburu, who currently serves as ODM party leader after his appointment and confirmation by the party’s National Central Committee, has recently declared his intention to initiate talks with the ruling UDA party with a view to working alongside the Kenya Kwanza administration.
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However, speaking on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, Winnie Odinga strongly dismissed Oburu’s declaration, terming it a betrayal of the core values upon which ODM was founded.
Winnie accused the current party leadership of being overly eager to join government at the expense of the principles and ideals championed by the late Raila Odinga.
According to Winnie, ODM was built on the pillars of social justice, democracy, and people-centred leadership, values she claims are being undermined by attempts to align the party with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
She warned that rushing into political alliances without consulting the party’s grassroots supporters would only weaken ODM and alienate its loyal base.
Winnie called on ODM supporters and Kenyans at large to resist intimidation and reject narratives that seek to silence dissenting voices within the party. She urged party members to chart a new path anchored on integrity, internal democracy, and fidelity to Raila Odinga’s political legacy.
Her remarks are widely seen as a clear signal that she is preparing to rally like-minded leaders and supporters under a new political strategy, setting the stage for a major showdown over the future of ODM ahead of the 2027 general election.
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