Winnie Odinga’s shift to local politics begins with ODM deputy leader endorsement
Winnie tied her bid to Nairobi’s political history within ODM, saying the city has long been at the centre of the party’s struggles and growth.
Winnie tied her bid to Nairobi’s political history within ODM, saying the city has long been at the centre of the party’s struggles and growth.
Kajwang said Winnie remains central to the movement built around Raila’s leadership.
Winnie stressed that the struggle within ODM is about “the soul, virtues and values of ODM” rather than personalities.
She explained that the 10-point agenda was developed by late ODM leader Raila Odinga after young protesters declined formal talks, prompting him to engage widely across society to identify their core concerns.
Reflecting on her long professional partnership with her father, Winnie said she had worked closely with him for over 15 years, supporting him through various political roles.
She brushed off talk of factions within the party, saying ODM continues to be guided by collective leadership under Senator Oburu Odinga.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Monday, November 17, 2025, Omenya said ODM’s structure was built around Raila’s personality and influence, leaving a fragile foundation now that he is gone.
Winnie warned that ODM needed a firm and transparent process to decide who should steer the party’s engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration. She said the shift in leadership after Raila Odinga’s passing meant that ODM must now return to its structures and allow delegates to choose the person who will handle the sensitive political relationship.
Speaking at the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa on Friday, November 14, she insisted that the party remains strong and committed to its mission even after the passing of her father, the late Raila Odinga.