There are People Hatching Plans to Sell Our Party – Winnie Odinga Alleges During ODM@20 Event
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked its 20th anniversary in Mombasa on Friday with fiery speeches, internal criticism, and renewed calls to safeguard the party’s independence. The event, held exactly a month after the passing of former party leader Raila Odinga, was both a commemoration of his legacy and a reflection on the party’s future.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Winnie Odinga, the youngest daughter of the late Raila Odinga, delivered one of the most striking addresses. She alleged that clandestine efforts were underway to “sell” the party, warning members against betraying ODM’s founding principles.
“ODM is not a party that was secretly birthed. I am informed that there are some of us who are walking with us during the day, but at night are hatching plans to sell our party. That will not be possible, the party was not born in a boardroom,” Winnie said.
She went on to emphasize ODM’s roots in resistance and protest, insisting that its future could not be determined in secrecy.
“The party was not made in a bedroom, and its future will not be discussed as pillow talk. It was born out of protest, made in resistance, and the people of ODM have bled time and again and shed tears for this country, Kenya,” she added.
Divisions Over Government Collaboration
The anniversary celebrations also exposed divisions within ODM over its stance toward President William Ruto’s administration. Siaya Governor James Orengo renewed his criticism of members perceived to be collaborating with the government under the guise of a broad‑based agreement.
“We want an accountable government and now, as we speak, I dare say, Ruto needs ODM; it’s not ODM that needs Ruto. There are people in the party behaving as if ODM is the one that needs Ruto,” Orengo stated.
He added:
“It’s Ruto that needs ODM, because he has been unable to deliver. I am not afraid to say, I have nothing to fear but fear. I was very happy when Dr Oburu said ODM will not be swallowed.”
Calls for Discipline
In what appeared to be a response to the hardliners, Cabinet Secretary for Mining and former ODM deputy leader Hassan Joho urged party leaders to exercise discipline in communication. He stressed that only legally recognized party organs should issue official statements on ODM’s position.
Joho’s remarks highlighted the growing tension between factions advocating for collaboration with government and those insisting on ODM’s independence.
Looking Ahead to 2027
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna sought to reassure supporters of the party’s strength and readiness for the next election cycle. He emphasized that ODM would not blindly support the government and was capable of fielding a presidential candidate in 2027.
“ODM is strong enough to put forward a presidential candidate in 2027. We will not blindly support the government, but we will continue to stand for the people,” Sifuna said.
Conclusion
The ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa underscored both the resilience and the challenges facing the party in the wake of Raila Odinga’s passing. Allegations of betrayal, criticism of government collaboration, and calls for unity dominated the event, reflecting the high political stakes as ODM prepares for the 2027 General Election.
While Winnie Odinga’s warning against “selling the party” resonated with many, the contrasting views expressed by leaders such as Orengo, Joho, and Sifuna revealed the delicate balance ODM must strike between honoring its legacy and navigating Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
ALSO READ: World Bank to Loan Kenya, Help Mobilise Up to Ksh174 Billion for Affordable Housing Project
There are People Hatching Plans to Sell Our Party – Winnie Odinga Alleges During ODM@20 Event
