At 82, His Legacy Matters: Winnie Odinga Defends Oburu Amid Party Tensions

EALA MP Winnie Odinga has publicly thrown her weight behind Dr Oburu Oginga’s leadership during what she described as a delicate and demanding transition period within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Winnie praised Dr Oburu, the party’s acting leader, describing him as a wonderful acting party leader who is working tirelessly to steady a party facing turbulent waters.

She acknowledged that the task before him is far from easy, likening ODM to a ship battling strong political storms.

According to her, the fact that Dr Oginga has managed to keep the party stable speaks volumes about his experience, discipline, and commitment.

This is not a very easy ship to steady, but he is weathering the storm,” Winnie said, noting that her uncle has repeatedly emphasized that his role is transitional. She highlighted that Dr Oginga has openly committed to creating space for younger leaders once the transition period is complete, a position she believes reflects wisdom rather than political insecurity.

Also Read

• Ksh.5 Trillion Budget? The Ambitious Plan Behind Ruto’s Economic Vision
• Sunday Scare: Accident Hits Health CS Aden Duale’s Security Convoy in Kisumu
• Ruto Reveals the Real Deal Behind Kenya’s Broad-Based Government
• Why ODM Is Not Leaving the Broad-Based Government Anytime Soon, Oburu Oginga Explains
• Is a New Political Alliance Forming? Ruto Clarifies His Stand on ODM

Winnie Odinga was also keen to defend Dr Oginga’s long political legacy, dismissing suggestions that he could allow his name to be dragged into divisive party contests.

At 82 years old, she said, her uncle has nothing left to prove and would not risk tarnishing a lifetime defined by determination, strength and loyalty to the party and its ideals.

“My uncle has lived a life of determination, strength and loyalty,” she stated, adding that he would be the last person to allow his legacy to be besmirched by a political tug of war.

In her view, attempts to politicize his age or intentions miss the broader picture of stability and continuity that ODM currently needs.

Winnie emphasized that the Odinga family and many within the party are comfortable with Dr Oginga’s current position, insisting he is certainly the best person to guide ODM through this interim phase.

She urged party members to exercise patience, unity and respect for institutional processes as ODM prepares for the future.