Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has sharply criticised a section of ODM leaders who claim that Raila sanctioned their participation in the broad-based government under President William Ruto.
Speaking on Saturday during a rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi, Winnie dismissed assertions that Raila instructed party members to abandon ODM ideals or pledge loyalty to those in power. She warned leaders against using her father’s name to justify political alignments and personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“You cannot copy-paste Baba Raila to suit your political convenience,” Winnie said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “Raila Odinga stood for principle, justice, and service to the people. At no point did he tell anyone to trade ideals for positions.”
Winnie emphasised that Raila’s legacy was rooted in the struggle for democracy, social justice, and accountability, urging ODM leaders to remain faithful to the party’s founding values rather than seeking short-term political comfort.
Her remarks come amid growing debate within ODM following the entry of some party leaders into President Ruto’s broad-based government, a move that has divided opinion among supporters.
Winnie cautioned that misusing Raila’s name risks misleading the public and diluting the party’s identity. “Leadership is about conviction,” she said. “If you choose a path, own it — don’t hide behind Baba’s legacy.”
The Kamukunji rally was attended by ODM supporters and activists, many of whom echoed Winnie’s call for ideological clarity and unity as the party looks toward the 2027 elections.
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