East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has delivered a passionate address at the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) Special National Delegates Convention (NDC) at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, emphasizing the importance of genuine youth participation in political affairs.
This comes after the party delegates formally ratified her uncle, Oburu Oginga, as the party’s substantive leader on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Ms. Winnie has urged the party’s newly confirmed leadership to broaden the participation of young members as ODM navigates a period of transition and internal differences. She appealed for reforms that grant the youth a stronger voice within the party’s structures.
Winnie noted that her presence was not meant to deepen divisions but to support dialogue and constructive engagement across all factions within ODM.
“Leo sikuja kuchoma,” she said, drawing laughter from delegates in attendance. “Congratulations, my party leader, I recognise you. As they call you the youth leader, I hope you will open space for the young people."
She stressed that the youth should not only be visible during campaigns but should also be part of leadership discussions, policy formulation, and negotiations that guide the party’s direction.
“Our young people are demanding their rightful space at the table… we must create space for them instead of only calling on them when we want them to shout,” she said.
The MP, who is the late Raila Odinga's daughter, encouraged a system that allows more participation from grassroots levels and party branches, arguing that decentralised structures would strengthen ODM’s internal democracy.
Winnie also pointed out that many young people have reached out to her privately, expressing frustration over limited opportunities and the challenges they face in accessing jobs and representation.
“We cannot overlook maandamano and what it has achieved. We cannot overlook the suffering of the young people.”
At the same time, she urged leaders within ODM to adopt a more open and reconciliatory approach in handling internal disagreements that have recently emerged between different groups within the party.
“I am asking for a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. A spirit of listening that does not chase away or force out,” Winnie stated.
“When we talk about the new ODM, we want a party that opens doors, 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 should shape decisions and negotiations,” Winnie stated.
Her remarks came at a time when ODM is split into two factions, Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground, with the latter rejecting the outcome of the Jamhuri convention, which endorsed Oburu as party leader.
At the parallel Ufungamano forum, Linda Mwananchi leaders Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna dismissed Oburu’s leadership, maintaining that they do not recognise him as party leader despite his confirmation by the Jamhuri delegates.
“We will respect Oburu as our elder and not a leader. Wewe ndugu yako amekufa na unamridhi hata kabla hajazikwa. That’s not the spirit of a true leader,” Owino said.
Those aligned with the Jamhuri meeting, however, backed Oburu, maintaining that the party is moving forward under his leadership.
Abdulswamad Nassir, who was endorsed as Deputy Party Leader alongside Simba Arati, pledged support for Oburu and emphasised the need to strengthen cohesion within the party.
By attending the official NDC, Winnie signalled cautious support for the mainstream party structure while continuing to press for reforms from within. Weeks earlier, she had expressed reservations about Oburu’s leadership.
