The recent front-page feature in The Nairobian, titled “Winnie’s war: Blood, power and betrayal”, captures the intense power struggle engulfing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Odinga family following the death of Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
Raila, the longtime opposition titan and former Prime Minister, built ODM into a formidable political force and personal legacy.
His passing created a vacuum, shifting the battle from external foes to internal family and party dynamics.
The headline describes a shift “from mourning to mutiny” and a “scramble for a piece of Raila’s empire.”
At the center is Winnie Odinga, Raila’s youngest daughter and EALA MP, portrayed as a fierce contender.
She has openly criticized acting party leader Oburu Odinga (Raila’s brother) and other senior figures, accusing them of incompetence, secretive deals, and potentially “selling” the party.
Winnie insists ODM is “not for sale” and pushes for a generational shift, including a National Delegates Conference to reclaim the party’s direction.
The article highlights family tensions, quoting Winnie: “Family matters will be addressed within the family. Party issues are not discussed at home.”
Yet, the rift—between the old guard led by Oburu and younger voices like Winnie and Raila Jr.—threatens party unity.
Reports of betrayal, greed, and succession chaos suggest ODM risks fragmentation without Raila’s unifying presence.
This “war” underscores how personal loss has ignited a high-stakes contest over legacy, control, and the future of Kenya’s opposition.
Author: Bashirjuma
About The Author
