- Winnie Odinga sparked wild cheers at Jamhuri ASK Grounds after making a surprise appearance at the Orange Democratic Movement Special NDC
- The EALA MP’s entry drew attention, given her perceived alignment with the Sifuna-led faction as she publicly recognised Oburu Oginga as party leader
- In her address, Winnie called for unity and reconciliation within ODM, urging leaders to embrace inclusivity and create space for dissenting voices
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Wild cheers and chants have filled the air at Jamhuri ASK Grounds after Winnie Odinga made a surprise entrance at the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) special National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Winnie’s grand entry to the much-publicised meeting marks a dramatic moment in the party gathering already overshadowed by internal divisions.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP’s arrival on Friday, March 27, instantly electrified delegates who had gathered from across the country.
Her appearance had been uncertain, given her perceived alignment with the Linda Mwananchi faction, a group allied to Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna that had earlier convened a parallel meeting at Ufungamano House.
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Winnie’s entry, moments after key agendas had been ratified, was met with loud cheers, signalling her growing influence among grassroots supporters and especially young party members.
Many delegates stood, waved party colours, and chanted as she made her way to a seat at the front of the stage, where she hugged her uncle, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
In a move that is likely to reshape internal dynamics within ODM, Winnie publicly recognised Oginga as the party leader during her address, despite her previous association with the Linda Mwananchi.
“I say this with all the humility, congratulations party leader. And we believe as we will lead this next cycle of transition as they call you youth leader you will open the space in this party for all the millions of young people of Kenya,” Winnie said
The EALA lawmaker’s remarks were laced with a conciliatory tone at a time when the party is grappling with factional divisions.
She framed ODM as her political home and called for unity, urging members to embrace a broader and more inclusive vision for the party.
Her speech leaned heavily on the need to reform the party to better reflect the aspirations of young people and grassroots supporters.
Winnie used her speech to outline what she described as the vision for a “new ODM,” placing youth empowerment at the centre of the party’s future.
She called for a leadership that listens and acts on the ideas of young people, stressing that participation should go beyond mobilising crowds during rallies.
According to her, young members want a seat at the decision-making table and a role in shaping policies and negotiations.
She also pushed for decentralisation within the party, advocating for stronger grassroots structures and empowered local branches.
“When we talk about the new ODM that we envision we want a party that opens doors and 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 shape decisions and negotiations. We want a decentralized power,” she said.
Revamping the youth league, she said, would be key to turning it into a platform where young people can actively contribute to policy discussions.
Winnie appealed for a spirit of understanding within the party, urging leaders and members alike to create space for differing views instead of pushing dissenting voices away.
Her message appeared aimed at bridging the gap between rival factions that have increasingly taken their disputes into the public arena.
She emphasised the importance of building a party that welcomes participation and fosters dialogue, rather than one that sidelines certain groups.
“I say this with the utmost humility because we must create space for these people instead of only calling them when we want them to shout. So therefore as we finish the part of this one thing I’m going to ask for is a spirit of reconciliation a spirit of understanding a spirit of listening a spirit that does not chase away that does not force out a spirit that opens and lets us in. We want space we want a face for ODM,” Winnie added.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
