'There is intimidation within ODM,' Winnie Odinga says amid party turmoil

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Winnie alleged that the party is experiencing serious internal wrangles marked by fear and pressure tactics.

“Wanajijua. We've reached a point and I have to speak on behalf of the leaders of ODM because I'm the only one who can say it. People are being intimidated within ODM," she stated. 

"People are being dewhipped for simply showing up on that stage with me by being removed in committees, County Assemblies, Parliament, We've reached a situation where you're being told to sign forms on whether you support the regime of the day, if you do you're given PSC slots, if you don't, God knows what happens to you."

She added that the situation has escalated into what she termed widespread suppression of dissenting voices within the party.

“There's full-on intimidation of members. I feel there are those in the party that have a different agenda and are hell-bent on achieving this agenda no matter what it may take,” she noted. 

Winnie said her decision to speak out publicly followed unsuccessful attempts to address her concerns through internal party channels.

“Winnie Odinga, standing there in Kibra, had tried all other options of recourse with people of leadership. I tried to speak to them, tried to tell them we can't leave the people behind and so when you see something happening the wrong way, you have to do what you have to do,” she said.

On the party’s internal operations, she accused some leaders of straying from ODM’s principles, which are founded on seeking the people's views. 

She pointed out that the party's National Delegates Conference (NGC) is key to ratifying some of the decisions by the party leadership including the ongoing talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. 

“ODM has not fulfilled its mandate in an open manner. I love my uncle and my uncle loves me. The issue is people misrepresenting themselves and moving in a manner that is not respectful to the creeds of the party. They are not being respectful to the constitution of ODM,” she highlighted.

Despite the criticism, Winnie expressed strong support for ODM’s acting party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, praising his leadership during what she described as a difficult transition period.

“I think Dr Oburu Oginga is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period and he is steadying the ship. This is not a very easy ship to steady, but he is weathering the storm and he has said many times that he is acting transitionally and will make space for other young people," Winnie pointed out. 

"My uncle has lived a life of determination, strength and loyalty. Winnie Odinga would be the last person who, at his age of 82, would allow his legacy to be besmirched by a political tug of war. We are very happy with him being in the position that he is, he is certainly the best person in that position."

She also dismissed claims of a rift within the Odinga family, saying political differences should not be confused with personal conflict.

“There is no family feud. If there was a family feud, I doubt he would tell me that in public. He is a funny guy, mambo ya nyumbani tunaongea kinyumbani, but mambo ya chama is not to be discussed at home. I believe Dr Oburu would be the first person to defend my right to have different opinions. I love Dr Oburu, he is my only dad, I don’t know why this has become national news, our family is tight, we have no problems at all,” she stated. 

Winnie further addressed speculation surrounding ODM’s future political direction, insisting that former party leader Raila Odinga had not ruled out the party fielding a candidate in the next General Election.

“Baba did not say he left ODM in government. The last thing he said during an ODM PGM was ‘Who told you ODM will not field a candidate in 2027?’ Those who are now saying that he told them otherwise in secret, who told them? Everything he said, he used to say in front of all of us,” she said.

Her remarks come at a time when ODM is facing heightened internal debate over its political posture and leadership direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.