Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang has called on Winnie Odinga to stand firm and defend the political legacy of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, amid growing tension within the Orange Democratic Movement.
Speaking during a tour of the coastal region, Kajwang said Winnie remains central to the movement built around Raila’s leadership. He told her not to allow herself to be influenced by individuals he accused of misleading her at a time when the party is facing internal challenges.
“In my humble way, I want to ask you, Winnie Odinga, please, you are our child, and we will protect you. You are part of us; the energy and the oracle of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga reside in you. Please wake up,” Kajwang said.
He cautioned that the political foundation left behind by Raila must not be weakened, assuring her that leaders aligned to ODM were ready to walk with her if she remained resolute.
“Let the beautiful inheritance that Raila has left you not get destroyed in your hands because some people are cheating you. Please don’t do that. We will go places with you, but please be a strong woman and get out of it,” he added.
Kajwang’s remarks come in the wake of the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General, a move that was later halted by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The leadership changes have sparked debate within the party ranks.
Winnie Odinga publicly supported Sifuna during a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, February 12, 2026. A day earlier, after Sifuna was removed from office, she took to social media in what appeared to be a rejection of the decision.
In recent weeks, Winnie has openly questioned the direction the party has taken since Raila’s death. Addressing supporters at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra on January 18, 2026, she maintained that no member would be expelled from ODM and criticised what she described as a rush to take control.
“On this journey, we were passengers, and Baba was the driver. One day, we woke up and were shocked. The driver had died. Slowly, some people moved to the front, grabbed the steering wheel, and pulled it in different directions,” she said.
“They pushed us, passengers, to the back. They forgot Baba died only yesterday. Why the rush? Stop the bus. Let us talk. Let us decide together and move forward.”
She also cast doubt on the loyalty of some leaders within the party.
“We see that not everyone among us who believed in Baba was genuine. Some were just using him,” she said.
Amid the changes, Catherine Omanyo was named acting secretary general, while Amisi was removed as deputy organising secretary, further reshaping the party’s leadership structure.
