'We want a new ODM,' Winnie Odinga declares after surprise appearance at Linda Ground SDC

Winnie made a surprise appearance shortly after Dr. Oburu Oginga was crowned ODM party leader during the Linda Ground Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds on Friday, where she called on the party to foster dialogue rather than force people out.

She emphasised the need for youth involvement in policymaking, rather than merely being involved when there's need to “make noise” at rallies.

"I stand before you, not just as a proud life member of ODM, but as the voice of the vibrant, hopeful, and resilient young Kenyans from this country. It is not lost on me that today I may be one of the youngest people who stand on this stage, but I carry their dreams and aspirations," she stated.

"When we talk about the new ODM, we want a party that opens doors, not closes them. We want a leadership that listens to our concerns and acts on our ideas. We want participation as young people that extends beyond rallies. We want to be involved, and our voices should shape decisions and negotiations. We want decentralised power, empowering branches and grassroots."

She emphasised that the party must return to holding leaders accountable to drive meaningful change.

Addressing her uncle and party leader Dr. Oburu, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) lawmaker called for reconciliation and greater unity within ODM.

"We want to hold our leaders accountable. We want a new ODM. We must create space for the people instead of only calling them when we want them to shout," she stated. 

"I ask for the spirit of reconciliation, understanding, and listening - a spirit that does not chase away or force people out. A spirit that opens doors and lets us in. Let us embody this and make ODM a party for everybody."

Winnie has long been linked to the Linda Mwananchi faction, and has appeared in press conferences with the Senator Edwin Sifuna-led team, hence making an appearance at the Jamhuri Grounds function was unexpected.

It remains to be seen how this will play out, as she recently expressed interest in the ODM deputy party leader position after Nairobi leaders rallied behind her candidacy.

This as the Linda Ground faction also removed Vihiga Senator and Linda Mwananchi affiliate Godfrey Osotsi from the same position as the Jamhuri SDC.

Her remarks come amid a split in ODM, with the Linda Mwananchi faction holding a parallel NDC at Ufangamano House, with both functions claiming to uphold Raila Odinga’s legacy.