ODM politician and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement is experiencing internal divisions, saying disagreement and competition are normal in any large political party.
Speaking amid growing political activity as leaders begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections, Winnie maintained that ODM remains solid and focused under its current leadership.
She said the party’s priority is expanding its influence nationwide rather than dealing with what she termed as exaggerated narratives about factionalism.
“The role of a political party is to seek power,” she said. “ODM must be competitive and field candidates everywhere. That is how democracy works. People will not always agree, and that is perfectly normal.”
Her remarks come at a time when speculation has emerged suggesting that differing opinions among senior party figures could be a sign of growing cracks within the opposition outfit. Winnie, however, insisted that diversity of views should be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
According to her, a party with millions of supporters is bound to experience internal debates, but that does not mean it is headed for collapse.
“We have more than eight million registered members. Disagreements are expected,” she said. “That should not excite anyone into thinking ODM is disintegrating.”
Winnie also reaffirmed her loyalty to ODM leader Oburu Oginga, describing him as both her political leader and a key figure in her personal life.
“He is my uncle and the only father figure I have left,” she said. “There is no faction I would belong to that he is not part of. He is the leader of the party and the head of my family, and that is where I stand.”
She further credited the party’s resilience to the foundation laid by her late father and longtime ODM leader, Raila Odinga. According to Winnie, Raila built a strong political movement capable of surviving internal competition without losing its identity.
“Baba built this house, and nobody is walking away,” she said. “He taught us the values of the party. Those who leave are the ones who choose not to follow what he taught.”
Her comments reinforce ODM’s position that internal debate is part of democratic growth and not a sign of disunity, as the party continues to project cohesion while preparing for future political contests.