Winnie Odinga has openly questioned how the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) handled its leadership transition after the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga, saying the process lacked transparency and did not follow the party’s constitution.
She argued that key decisions were made without informing or consulting party members at a time when unity and clear communication were most needed.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer show on Tuesday night, Winnie said ODM failed to officially address its members about Raila Odinga’s death and the changes that followed. She claimed that instead of engaging the wider party, a small group of leaders took control of the process and made decisions behind closed doors.
“The party has not fulfilled its mandate in an open manner. Our party leader died, the party has not once come and addressed us as members to inform us our party leader has died. They’ve picked a new team; the party has not once come to tell us they’ve picked a new team,” she said.
Winnie also raised concerns about how her uncle and Raila’s brother, Dr. Oburu Oginga, was installed as party leader. She insisted that the move did not follow the procedures set out in the ODM constitution and should not be treated as a personal or family issue.
“The decision of procedure is not upto Winnie Odinga, it’s written in the ODM Constitution. And I don’t want this to be personalized on the matter of my uncle (Oburu) as though this is a private matter that is being discussed in public. I love my uncle, my uncle loves me; that should be the headline,” she said.
She further accused some party officials of misusing their positions and ignoring the wishes of Raila Odinga and the principles he stood for.
“The matter is people misrepresenting themselves and moving in a manner that I feel is not respectful to the creeds of the party. I don’t believe they’ve acted in a matter that was respectful to the wishes and creed of the former party leader (Raila). I also know for a fact that they’re not being respectful to the Constitution of ODM.
”According to Winnie, the party’s National Executive Council and Central Committee cannot act on behalf of ODM unless they are approved by the National Delegates Convention (NDC). She said current office holders had no legal authority to make major decisions without this approval.
“The Constitution of ODM says that no member of the Central Committee or the NEC is able to act on behalf of the party of ODM unless they’re ratified by the NDC,” she stated.
She also criticized the decision to hold a National Governing Council meeting and begin talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during the mourning period, saying it was both insensitive and unconstitutional.
“They forced a celebration during a mourning period. They went and did an NGC and misrepresented that they’re the ones in charge, knowing very well that they’re not in charge until an NDC happens,” Winnie said.
“They’ve gone further to begin talks (with UDA)…they’re not following the procedure, which to me shows a lack of good faith, good will, and unwillingness to listen to dissenting voices.”
Despite her criticism, Winnie made it clear that her concerns were not aimed at attacking her uncle personally. She expressed support for Dr. Oburu’s role during the transition period.
“I think Dr. Oburu is a wonderful acting party leader in this transition period, we were all caught in a shock and he’s steading the ship,” she said, adding that he had promised to make space for younger leaders.
Winnie concluded that her stand is about protecting the party’s values and ensuring that ODM remains guided by its constitution and the legacy of its former leader.
