Leaders and delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi have formally endorsed East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga for the position of Deputy Party Leader.

The Nairobi ODM delegates have cited the need to strengthen representation of the capital within the party’s top leadership.

Speaking during a consultative meeting of ODM delegates drawn from Nairobi’s 17 constituencies on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation, Makadara Member of Parliament (MP) George Aladwa said the city has long lacked a clear representative at the party’s upper decision-making levels, a gap leaders now want urgently addressed.

According to Aladwa, the region lacks a representative at the party’s top level since the death of its leader and founder, Raila Odinga.

“Tumekuwa na vikao mingi mingi hapa na pale kwa miezi kama mbili zilizopita, tukisema yakwamba tunataka kuwa na mwakilishi. Kwa sababu kila region Iko na mwakilishi wake kwa chama lakini region ya Nairobi Baba alituacha na hatuna mwakilishi,” said Aladwa.

Winnie Odinga’s endorsement

The Makadara MP added that Nairobi leaders had unanimously resolved to front Winnie Odinga as their preferred candidate, describing her as capable of articulating the interests of the capital at the national party level.

According to the delegates, Winnie’s current role at the East African Legislative Assembly and her involvement in party activities make her well-suited to take up the influential position.

Aladwa further argued that Winnie is already a recognised delegate, including in Kibra, and expressed confidence that her elevation would consolidate Nairobi’s voice in party affairs.

“Ndio sisi kama constituencies 17 na county ya Nairobi tumepropose tukuwe na mbunge wetu wa EALA mheshimiwa Winnie Odinga atuwakilishe katika chama na akuwe one of the Deputy Party Leaders. Tumekuja kupropose na kuendorse Winnie kama kiongozi wetu. Nairobi tayari yeye ni delegate, Kibra ni delegate na sasa tunataka aende kule juu,” Aladwa said during the meeting that was attended by Winnie.

The endorsement also highlights Winnie’s growing influence within ODM ranks, particularly among youth and grassroots mobilisers.

The move is expected to shape internal party dynamics as ODM continues to reorganise and strengthen its structures ahead of future political contests.

ODM deputy party leaders

ODM currently has three deputy party leaders who were in office at the time of Raila’s death. They are Mombasa governor Adulswamad Sheriff Nasir, his Kisii counterpart Simba Arati, and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi.

However, Osotsi might be staring at a possible ouster, since he is part of the Linda Mwananchi movement, an ODM rebel faction that is led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.

With the endorsement now public, attention shifts to the party’s top organs, which might consider the proposal as part of broader leadership deliberations during the upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC) set for March 27, 2026.

If approved, Winnie Odinga would join the party’s top leadership tier, marking a significant step in her political career.