NAIROBI, Kenya — A surprise appearance by EALA MP Winnie Odinga at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special National Delegates Convention (NDC) has added a new dimension to the party’s unfolding leadership contest, as divisions deepen within Kenya’s main opposition outfit.
Winnie, the daughter of late ODM leader Raila Odinga, attended the convention held at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, despite previously being associated with the rival Linda Mwananchi faction, which convened a parallel meeting at Ufungamano House.
Her presence at the official gathering appeared to signal a shift in tone, as she publicly acknowledged Oburu Odinga as the party leader, even as competing factions continue to dispute his legitimacy.
“Leo sikuja kuchoma,” she said, drawing laughter from the room.
“Congratulations my party leader, I recognise you. As they call you the youth leader, I hope you will open space for the young people,” she added.
While avoiding direct engagement in factional disputes, Winnie used her platform to highlight youth concerns, particularly unemployment and the impact of recent protests.
“We cannot overlook maandamano and what it has achieved. We cannot overlook the suffering of the young people.”
She also referenced messages she had received from young Kenyans seeking opportunities, underscoring growing pressure on political leaders to address economic challenges facing the country’s youth.
The ODM convention took place against the backdrop of a widening internal split, with two factions holding simultaneous meetings.
At Ufungamano House, leaders aligned with the Linda Mwananchi camp, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, rejected Oburu Odinga’s leadership, setting the stage for a prolonged power struggle within the party.
“We will respect Oburu as our elder and not leader. Wewe ndugu yako amekufa na unamridhi hata kabla hajazikwa. That’s not the spirit of a true leader,” Babu said.
Meanwhile, the Jamhuri Grounds faction formally endorsed Oburu Odinga as party leader, consolidating support among a section of ODM’s top leadership.
Senior party figures ratified at the convention expressed their commitment to stabilising the party and reinforcing its national presence.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, who was confirmed as Deputy Party Leader alongside Kisii Governor Simba Arati, pledged loyalty to Oburu’s leadership.
Arati signalled plans to actively support the party leader’s outreach efforts across the country.
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“Together with Abdulswamad and Wanga, we will traverse the country and reach places where Oburu might not be able to reach,” he said.
Winnie Odinga’s intervention, though measured, reflects the delicate balancing act within ODM as it navigates leadership transition following Raila Odinga’s death. Her recognition of Oburu, coupled with a focus on youth issues, suggests an attempt to bridge divides while steering the party toward generational renewal.
However, the existence of parallel conventions and open dissent among senior leaders points to a party grappling with internal cohesion at a critical moment.
As ODM moves forward, its ability to reconcile competing factions and respond to the demands of a younger electorate may determine its future influence in Kenya’s political landscape.
