East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has openly defied her uncle, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Odinga, by backing ousted Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Winnie stood alongside Sifuna and criticised the manner in which he was removed from office. Her move underscores deepening cracks within ODM as the party navigates a delicate leadership transition.
Shortly after Sifuna’s removal by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Winnie took to social media to express her dissatisfaction, describing the decision as “not good.”
Her public support for Sifuna places her at odds with Oburu Odinga, who has defended recent party decisions and signalled a new direction for ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Criticism of ODM Leadership Transition
Winnie Odinga has in recent weeks been vocal about what she describes as irregularities in ODM’s leadership transition following the death of party founder Raila Odinga.
In an interview on January 27, 2026, she termed the transition process unconstitutional and secretive. She accused a small group within the party of sidelining members, ignoring the party constitution, and making critical decisions behind closed doors.
Her latest remarks reinforce concerns among some ODM members that the party is experiencing internal power struggles during a sensitive period of reorganisation.
ODM Faces Growing Internal Divisions
Sifuna’s ouster has sparked widespread debate within ODM, with leaders sharply divided over the legality and justification of the decision. While some senior figures have welcomed the move as necessary for party unity, others see it as evidence of factionalism.
Winnie’s stance adds a new dimension to the unfolding drama, particularly given her family ties and her political influence within the party.
As ODM prepares for the 2027 General Election and redefines its alliances, internal cohesion will be crucial. The public disagreements among senior party figures could shape the party’s future direction and its ability to present a united front.
With key leaders now openly taking sides, the coming weeks may determine whether ODM resolves its differences internally or faces deeper fragmentation in the run-up to the next election cycle.
