ODM Erupts: Oburu Fires Back as Winnie Odinga Demands Party Break From Ruto Government
ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has moved to quell internal unease after EALA MP Winnie Odinga publicly raised questions over the Orange Democratic Movement’s place within President William Ruto’s broad-based government, insisting that the matter will be resolved quietly within the Odinga family.
Speaking on Saturday during the ODM 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, Oburu signalled that he would not engage in a public exchange with Winnie, the daughter of ODM leader Raila Odinga, but would instead handle the concerns in a closed-door family setting.
“I want to tell Winnie that we will speak about that in private, at home,” Oburu told supporters, emphasising that the discussion would be approached “respectfully and constructively”.
Winnie had urged the party to return to its rank-and-file membership and make a clear decision on whether ODM should continue participating in the Ruto-led administration’s “broad-based government” framework — a position that has caused debate among supporters.
Oburu, however, reiterated his unwavering loyalty to his younger brother Raila Odinga, who for decades has been the central figure of the party and Kenya’s opposition politics. He dismissed any suggestion that he could drift from the political path established by the former Prime Minister.
“I have walked with Raila for over 80 years and I have never betrayed him,” he said. “I know there are people who claim they are loyal to Raila, yet at some point they had betrayed him.”
He assured ODM members that Raila’s political legacy remained secure under his stewardship as the party enters a new phase.
“The seat that I have been given — I will take the mantle from where my brother left, to achieve his vision and goal,” he noted.
Turning to preparations for the 2027 General Election, Oburu urged ODM supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation and prioritise party registration, warning that political influence depends squarely on numbers.
“I appeal to ODM members to continue registering more members so that we have the numbers to be strong. Politics is numbers,” he said. “Registration is crucial — we must register as voters and as party members.”
Oburu indicated that ODM would determine its political direction closer to the next election cycle, insisting the party would not be rushed into premature commitments.
“Raila left us in the broad-based government. We said that when it gets to 2027, we will decide who we will support or whether we will walk alone when the time comes,” he said. “We will not cross the bridge before we get there.”
His comments come amid renewed debate within ODM over its engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration — a conversation that Winnie Odinga reignited by calling for a return to the party’s grassroots to clarify its mandate.
Also Read: ODM Tensions Boil Over as Alai’s ‘Insensitive’ Attack on Winnie Odinga Draws Outrage
ODM Erupts: Oburu Fires Back as Winnie Odinga Demands Party Break From Ruto Government