The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) marked its 20th anniversary in Mombasa over the weekend, an event intended to celebrate two decades of political mobilisation but one that instead exposed widening divisions over the party’s future direction
What was expected to be a moment of reflection and unity quickly turned into a display of differing visions among senior members.
The debates centred on whether the party should extend its involvement in the Broad-Based Government and evolve the arrangement into a formal coalition with President William Ruto ahead of a potential second-term campaign.
The internal contest has also spilled into the family of the late ODM founder Raila Odinga, where members appear to hold contrasting positions on the party’s next chapter.
The current friction was amplified after Raila’s last-born daughter, Winnie Odinga, publicly appeared to oppose the nomination and subsequent confirmation of her uncle, Dr. Oburu Oginga, as party leader.
She has since called for a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to elect a new leader, arguing that such decisions should be made by delegates rather than through what she termed “boardroom processes.”
Winnie, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, seems to share a political lane with her aunt, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who recently announced on social media that she would consider running for the presidency in 2027.
Speaking at the Mama Ngina Waterfront rally, Dr. Oburu attempted to ease the growing tension, describing Winnie’s concerns as issues that could be resolved through dialogue.
“Winnie is my daughter, and we will sit down and discuss her concerns,” he told the gathering, comments that some insiders interpreted as a measured response aimed at restoring calm.
Later that evening, during the ODM Founders Dinner, Raila Odinga Junior also appeared to mediate the family differences.
Holding his sister’s hand, he affirmed that the family remained united behind Dr. Oburu’s new role.
“As the Jaramogi family, we are strong. Mama Ida is very strong, Dr. Oburu is very strong, and I am also very strong. Winnie has started her journey, and we will hold her hand,” he said.
Within the party structures, Dr. Oburu has attracted support from key officials, including his two deputies, Governors Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati, national chairperson Gladys Wanga and leaders serving in the Cabinet such as Hassan Joho.
Other senior figures, including Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, have also voiced backing for the new leadership arrangement.
Joho, the Mining Cabinet Secretary, defended Dr. Oburu’s position, urging him to remain firm. Mbadi, a long-serving party official, called for discipline, noting that while disagreements are part of internal democracy, respect for the party leader remains essential.
“Let’s disagree, but listen once the party leader has spoken. This party was built in agitation, but at the end of it, gave way to dialogue. There is also value in the boardroom,” he said.
Junet echoed similar sentiments, saying ODM was founded to pursue political power, often through coalition-building.
“Governments in this country are formed through coalitions. ODM was not formed as an NGO. We don’t want to be in the streets anymore,” he said.
On the opposite end, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, identified as one of the senior party leaders, Winnie, Ruth and younger figures such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino are perceived to align with a second camp advocating a different path for the party.
During the Mama Ngina rally, Sifuna is said to have briefly deviated from the programme to invite Babu to speak, an act seen as emphasising their push for broader inclusion in party decision-making.
“As we celebrate 20 years, let’s reflect on
what the party will look like in the next 20 years. ODM must continue to
perform its role as a people-centred party,” Osotsi told the crowd.
