Robert Alai Offers to Mentor Winnie Odinga After Outburst Over Candid Remarks at ODM Anniversary
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has offered to mentor East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga after she made unusually candid remarks about the Orange Democratic Movement’s internal dynamics during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, November 15.
Winnie, the youngest daughter of ODM founder Raila Odinga, used the platform to voice concerns over the party’s direction following her father’s exit from local politics to take up the African Union Commission chairmanship bid. Her comments hinted at rising tensions within ODM’s upper ranks, particularly regarding the party’s handling of its relationship with President William Ruto’s broad-based government arrangement.
Winnie Odinga Questions Oburu’s Handling of Broad-Based Arrangement
In her address, Winnie appeared to cast doubt on the leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga—Raila Odinga’s elder brother—who recently assumed a more prominent role in party affairs.
“When it came to the matter of this broad-based government, the people of ODM entrusted one person with the management of that relationship, and that person was Baba Raila Odinga,” Winnie told the gathering. “That relationship is complicated… we need to go back to the people and have an NDC.”
Her assertion that Oburu was not handling the arrangement with the same level of trust the party had placed in Raila sparked immediate debate among ODM allies and critics alike. Winnie argued that the party urgently needs to reconnect with its grassroots members and allow a National Delegates Conference to determine who should steer ODM’s engagement with the government.
Robert Alai Responds: “You Can’t Be Raila”
Responding to Winnie’s remarks, MCA Robert Alai acknowledged the legitimate pressures ODM faces during this transition but cautioned her against attempting to fill Raila’s shoes prematurely.
“Baba Raila Amolo Odinga was special. Nobody in the family, within ODM, or in the country will effectively play the role of Raila,” Alai said in a pointed statement. “You can’t manage the broad-based government issues with your level of immaturity and experience.”
Despite the blunt tone, Alai insisted his message came from a place of mentorship, not malice. He urged Winnie to embrace guidance as she shapes her political path.
“My friend and sister Winnie, you will not like me, but you know that I am your greatest ally and friend, and I will always tell you the truth,” he added. “Come, let’s sit down and talk so I can guide you. I mean well and wish you the best. Baba was your dad. You can’t be him.”
A Wider Rift?
Alai suggested that the tensions between Winnie and Senator Oburu reflect deeper struggles within ODM over access to President Ruto and the party’s role in the broad-based government framework. He emphasised that dialogue—and mentorship of emerging leaders—is crucial to ensuring ODM remains cohesive and forward-looking.
The exchange has intensified public discussion about succession politics within ODM, as the party navigates its first major transition since its formation two decades ago.
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Robert Alai Offers to Mentor Winnie Odinga After Outburst Over Candid Remarks at ODM Anniversary