- Allies of ODM leader Oburu Oginga have appealed to Winnie Odinga, urging her to distance herself from ousted party secretary-general Edwin Sifuna
- The appeal, delivered by Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ and backed by other leaders, framed support for Oburu as protecting Raila Odinga’s legacy
- Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi called on the wider Odinga family to unite behind Oburu, suggesting that internal rifts were weakening ODM
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Allies of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga, have made a public appeal to Raila Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga.
Source: Instagram
In what is seen as efforts to cool tensions in the party, the ODM member urged Winnie reconsider her allegiance to the ousted party secretary general and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna.
What is Kajwang’s appeal to Winnie Odinga?
The appeal comes just days after Winnie appeared alongside Sifuna at a high-profile press conference, where Sifuna pleaded his case and vowed to fight for his place in the Orange party.
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Sifuna, who has openly rejected President William Ruto’s re-election bid and opposed the party getting into a coalition agreement with the ruling UDA party, has become the central point of a widening rift within the party.
In a heartfelt appeal, Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang’ pleaded with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP to back his uncle Oburu, framing it as protecting Raila’s legacy.
The lawmaker accused an unnamed cabal of misleading the young Odinga, adding that they would protect her.
“In my humble way, I want to ask you, Winnie Odinga, please, you are our child and we’ll protect you, baby. We will. Please wake up. Wake up. Wake up. Wake up! Let the beautiful thing, the heritage that Raila has given you, not get spoiled in your hands because a few old men are cheating you. Please don’t do that. We are here to protect you. We will go with you places. We will go. But please, be a girl. Be a strong woman and get out of it.a ,” TJ Kajwang’ said
Is Odinga family unity key to ODM?
The leaders did not stop at Winnie, turning their attention to the wider Jaramogi political dynasty that is squarely at the centre of ODM wrangles.
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi called on the entire Odinga family to rally behind Oburu, warning that internal divisions were weakening the party’s position.
Elachi warned the political family against sending mixed signals in a period that has tested the Orange party in its 20-year existence.
“The Odinga family do not confuse us. Do not mix us up. Do not treat us like this, Hey! Hey! Do not treat us like this. It is wrong. That respect was given to Raila,” Elachi said.
Source: Facebook
The simmering tensions have split ODM into two main factions that include the Sifuna, Siaya governor James Orengo and Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi bloc, known as Linda Mwananchi, which is set to convene in Kitengela,
On the other hand, the Oburu faction, dubbed Linda Ground, will hold its gathering at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa.
Is there a rift in the Odinga family?
Elsewhere, Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga dismissed claims of a rift within the Odinga family, calling reports of tensions between her brother, Oburu and his niece misleading.
She emphasised that the family remains united despite political differences and public debates.
Ruth defended Winnie’s right to express her views independently, highlighting Oburu’s significant role in her upbringing.
She argued that attempts to portray a feud were manufactured to sow division, clarifying that all Odingas share the same lineage and stressing that family bonds remain strong.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
