Political analyst Herman Manyora has weighed in on the divisions within the ODM party, offering a positive appraisal of the faction comprising Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, as one acting in the party’s best interest.

In a statement on his X page on Monday, January 19, 2026, Manyora concurred with Robert Alai’s sentiments that the ODM party must retain its national outlook and not become a family property.

He added that the faction allied with Winnie Odinga, which also includes other youthful leaders such as Edwin Sifuna and MPs Babu Owino and Caleb Amisi, is the one commanding the majority amid the ongoing ideological divide.

The majority

“True. And Winnie is on the side of the majority. Where she is, is where ODM is. And that’s where you will find Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi and James Orengo, and all those who mean well for @TheODMparty. Those who love Baba,” he stated.

His remarks come after Alai launched an attack on the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s younger daughter, Winnie, over her perceived view of the political outfit as a family inheritance.

In a statement on X, the firebrand MCA addressed Winnie’s stance on the purge targeting a section of ODM leaders regarded as party rebels amid coalition talks between ODM and President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party heading into the 2027 general election.

Alai goes after Winnie

Alai, who has been a vehement critic of Sifuna and Babu Owino, affirmed that Winnie Odinga had no capacity to defend the pair, who have stood their ground over the party’s plans to back President William Ruto’s UDA.

“She can’t protect them when she can’t even be in the Central Management Committee. ODM isn’t a family inheritance. She need not push her luck,” Alai argued.

Alai’s criticism followed after Winnie and her brother, Raila Jr., convened a rally at Nairobi’s Kibra grounds (Kamukunji Grounds) days after the faction led by party leader Oburu Oginga held a public consultative forum with the area’s residents.

Just as the mainstream faction led by the party leader, the siblings’ rally similarly attracted large numbers, signalling the continued influence of the Odinga family in national politics and within the ODM party.