EALA Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is experiencing internal divisions, insisting the party remains strong, united and firmly rooted in the ideals laid down by its founder, the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
She brushed off talk of factions within the party, saying ODM continues to be guided by collective leadership under Senator Oburu Odinga.
Speaking on Saturday after addressing parents and the management of Pioneer School in Gatanga, Murang’a County, Winnie said the party remains united despite occasional differences of opinion.
“We are going to meet. Chama iko imara (The party is resolute). We are together. We may have differences of opinion on certain issues, but the most important thing is that we sit together,” she said.
The EALA legislator also said she fully supports her uncle and party leader, Senator Oburu Oginga.
“The party leader is my uncle. I love him. He is the only father I have left. There is no day I would belong to a faction where he is not. He is the head of my family. I am always with him. That is the faction I belong to, if there are factions,” she added.
She noted that disagreements are inevitable in a large party.
“When you have a party with so many people, is it eight million registered members?- disagreements are bound to arise,” Winnie said.
Her remarks come days after Senator Oburu called for unity within the party, urging members to avoid internal divisions as ODM undergoes a leadership transition following Raila Odinga’s exit from active politics.
Speaking during the funeral of their younger sister, Beryl Odinga, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Oburu dismissed claims of uncertainty or a leadership vacuum within ODM, insisting the party remains stable and well structured.
He emphasised that while Raila’s departure marks a historic political shift, ODM has a clear leadership line that must be respected.
“I want to call for unity in our party. I also want to say there is no vacuum,” Oburu said.
“Raila left very big shoes, but I have been given those shoes and I am sitting in them.”
His remarks appeared to respond to ODM leaders and members who have called for internal consultations to reorganise the party ahead of the next political cycle.
In particular, Oburu pushed back against comments by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who had suggested the party needed to convene talks to chart a way forward.
“Hon Osotsi, don’t say you are going to sit down to arrange things. What are you going to arrange again?” Oburu asked, signalling that the party’s leadership is intact and that further internal manoeuvres could create unnecessary tension.
