Winnie Odinga to go for ODM deputy party post
Politics
By
Okumu Modachi
| Mar 18, 2026
East Africa Legislative Assembly lawmaker Winnie Odinga has declared interest in the position of ODM deputy party leader.
Speaking during a meeting of Nairobi delegates at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation offices, Winnie promised to strengthen the party in the city.
"Nairobi is the place that defines where the party is going," she said. "No one will come and dictate to us."
According to her, the city party members have borne the brunt of the outfit's struggles, putting their lives "on the line" for a better Kenya.
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"This journey has been a very long one. We have lost many people, but we still have a place to go," said the daughter of the late party leader Raila Odinga. "Nairobi must have a seat at the table. On March 27, we will have our say."
Her declaration comes at a time when ODM is grappling with internal divisions, with two main factions—Linda Ground led by the acting party leader, Oburu Odinga, and Linda Mwananchi spearheaded by embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
The rival camps have been engaging in fierce battle for control and realignment ahead of next year's elections.
The Oburu faction ousted Sifuna, whose side is opposed to the party's backing of President William Ruto, but was temporarily reinstated by Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.
Winnie has defended Sifuna. At one point, she appeared with the party spokesperson in a presser a day after his ouster.
However, her appearance at the meeting convened by Makadara MP George Aladwa, a proponent of Linda Ground faction, may imply she has softened her stance.
Winnie played down the speculation, saying she was in ODM to stay. "They say they are welcoming me back home, to where? Maybe they think I had gone to Arusha—that was work-related task," she said.
"This party, this house that my father built, where would I leave this party to go?"
The rivalry has intensified ahead of the March 27 National Delegates Conference, with the Sifuna camp announcing it would hold a parallel NDC.
Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi has termed the Oburu side illegal, even questioning the list of delegates invited.
Yesterday, Aladwa said the Nairobi delegates had settled on Winnie as their representative "as one of the deputy leaders in the top leadership positions.”
The MP said she would be replacing her father, Raila.
Aladwa said the branch would be pushing for amendment of the party constitution to create the fourth deputy party leader position.
“As Nairobi, our representative used to be Raila Odinga, and he helped us a lot. As Nairobi members we have been holding meetings for about two months, saying that we want to have a representative," he added.
According to the delegates, her acceptance to go for the position was a signal that the two factions would have a consensus. “If Winnie is not present, no elections will take place in Nairobi," said Aladwa.