Winnie Odinga demands NDC, says ODM leadership transition ‘unconstitutional and secretive’

Winnie Odinga has raised sharp concerns over how the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership transition was handled following the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga, accusing sections of the political outfit of sidelining members, flouting its constitution, and conducting critical decisions behind closed doors.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s 'The Explainer' show on Tuesday night, Winnie said the party failed to openly communicate with its membership at a sensitive time, instead allowing what she described as a small clique to dictate the party’s direction without consultation.

“The party has not fulfilled its mandate in an open manner. Our party leader died, the party has not once come and addressed us as members to inform us our party leader has died. They’ve picked a new team; the party has not once come to tell us they’ve picked a new team,” she said.

She questioned the procedural basis under which her uncle and Raila’s brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, was installed as party leader, arguing that the move did not comply with the party’s constitution.

“The decision of procedure is not upto Winnie Odinga, it’s written in the ODM Constitution. And I don’t want this to be personalized on the matter of my uncle (Oburu) as though this is a private matter that is being discussed in public. I love my uncle, my uncle loves me; that should be the headline,” said the EALA MP.

“The matter is people misrepresenting themselves and moving in a manner that I feel is not respectful to the creeds of the party. I don’t believe they’ve acted in a matter that was respectful to the wishes and creed of the former party leader (Raila). I also know for a fact that they’re not being respectful to the Constitution of ODM.”

Winnie insisted that ODM’s governing structures - including the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Central Committee  - cannot lawfully act on behalf of the party without ratification by the National Delegates Convention (NDC).

“The Constitution of ODM says that no member of the Central Committee or the NEC is able to act on behalf of the party of ODM unless they’re ratified by the NDC,” she said, adding that current office holders were “misrepresenting themselves” at a time when the party should have been providing direction to members.

She further criticised party leaders for convening a National Governing Council (NGC) meeting and initiating talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the mourning period, describing the actions as insensitive and unconstitutional.

“They forced a celebration during a mourning period. They went and did an NGC and misrepresented that they’re the ones in charge, knowing very well that they’re not in charge until an NDC happens,” said Winnie.

“They’ve gone further to begin talks (with UDA)…they’re not following the procedure, which to me shows a lack of good faith, good will, and unwillingness to listen to dissenting voices.”

Her remarks come amid reports of a growing rift within ODM, with younger leaders  - including Winnie - pushing for an urgent NDC to chart the party’s future, while another faction - associated with Dr. Oburu - is said to favour coalition talks with President William Ruto’s UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Despite her criticism of the process, Winnie was careful to separate the procedural dispute from personal politics involving her uncle, expressing support for Oburu’s current role.

“I think Dr. Oburu is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period, we were all caught in a shock and he’s steading the ship. This is not a very easy shop to steady, but he’s withering the storm and he has said it very many times that he’s acting transitionally and will make space for other young people,” she stated.

She also defended Oburu’s legacy and motives, dismissing suggestions of a family power struggle.

“Winnie Odinga would be the last person that at his (Oburu’s) age of 83 years, would allow his image or legacy to be besmirched by a political tug of war. “What some may see as perhaps antagonism, is actually protection,” she said.

Winnie maintained that her position is aimed at protecting both the party’s values and its leadership from being undermined by unconstitutional actions.