EALA MP Winnie Odinga has thanked
supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement for standing with her family
following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
Addressing ODM youth, women and
supporters on Friday, she said the family continues to feel the weight of the
loss and appreciated the sympathy expressed across the country.
“I would like to thank you for
standing with my family when we lost Baba.. I know we can all feel the grief,”
she said.
Raila passed away on October 15,
2025.
She acknowledged that the pain and
ache of the loss of the man commonly referred to as Baba was felt by all his
supporters.
“I know we have been stolen from. We
are confused and sad, but today I want to thank the youth of ODM. I have
received your messages of condolence, and from the bottom of my heart, thank you
so much,” she said.
She spoke in Mombasa during the
first day of the ODM@20 celebrations, which run until November 16, 2025.
Winnie also acknowledged the support
of ODM women, saying they encouraged her to address the youth.
She added that she had seen
condolence videos shared on TikTok and Instagram and appreciated the solidarity
shown.
She described Raila as more than a
political figure to the party’s young members, calling him an advisor and a
guiding figure.
She urged ODM youth to continue engaging
older men in their communities, saying their wisdom remained important.
“We need to make this party strong
all over the country until the heavens so Baba can hear us,” she said.
Responding to reports of division
within the party, Winnie referenced Raila’s frequent phrase, kelele ya chura,
saying confusion was expected during moments of grief but insisting ODM was
united and rebuilding.
She dismissed suggestions of
betrayal among members, warning that such would not be condoned.
“ODM was not made in a bedroom, so
its future will not be discussed as pillow talk,” she said.
“ODM has been the heartbeat of the
Kenyan people for 20 years. ODM was born from protest, raised in resistance, and
the people of ODM have bled, sweated and shed tears for this country.”
Winnie noted that although the party
sometimes made mistakes, it remained committed to its mission.
She rejected labels describing ODM
as disorderly, saying nation-building could be difficult and emotional.
“We are sorry that we don't always
get it right. Poleni. But we will never be sorry for being inconvenient,” she
said.
“They like to call us a party of
goons. What we are doing is nation building, and it is untidy, it is
inconvenient, and uncomfortable and has left us in tears."
She added, “We belong to the people, and we will continue growing because the young people of ODM have conviction.”
She praised the commitment of young
members who continued to participate in party activities even after Raila’s
death.
“It means something that after
Baba’s death, these young people are seated in this place because they have
conviction,” Winnie said, urging them to move forward in unity and confidence.
