Winnie Odinga addresses claims of ODM rift and her closeness to Oburu
By Lutta Njomo, December 13, 2025East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament (MP) Winnie Odinga has addressed concerns regarding the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the recent passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Addressing a section of the press on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Winnie rubbished claims that ODM was divided among factions.
Winnie boldly stated that the Orange Democratic Movement was firmly united and rooted in the values enshrined in the party’s constitution.
“Chama iko imara. We are together. If we’ve had different opinions on certain things, but the most important thing is we sit together, come together, and they give us space so that we can make a party that truly covers the width and breadth of this country,” Winnie stated.
Closeness to Oburu
At the same time, the EALA MP came out to clear the air over his relationship with the current ODM party leader, Oburu Oginga. The late Raila’s daughter maintained that she is close to Oburu, and she views him as the head of their family.
Winnie further explained that she would not be part of any faction opposing Oburu.
“I don’t know where you have seen those factions? The party leader is my uncle, is the only father I have left. There will never be a day I will be in a faction, and he is not there. He is the head of my family, and I am always close to him,” she reiterated.
Winnie made the sentiments following her previous request during ODM @20 celebrations in Mombasa, where she recommended that the Orange Democratic Movement convene a National Delegates Meeting (NDC) to decide its approach to the pact with William Ruto’s government.
However, Oburu respectfully differed with Winnie by dismissing her proposal.
“Mumemsikia mtoto wangu Winnie akisema eti Raila alikuwa hapo, na eti sasa tutafute mwingine atusaidie kuendeleza hii broad-based government. ninamwambia hiyo tutaongea naye kinyumbani,” Oburu said then.
Winnie on differing opinions in ODM
Nonetheless, Winnie welcomed the differing opinions in ODM, insisting that a party will remain strong. On the flipside, she argued that those who chose to ditch the party would have betrayed Raila’s teachings.
“But the party is okay. But for a party with over 8 million registered members, we are going to have disagreements, but that doesn’t mean that people should be so excited that ODM is falling apart. Baba taught us, nobody is leaving. The only ones leaving are the ones who have a problem with what he taught us,” she concluded.