The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is locked in a fierce internal power struggle following the death of its founding leader, Raila Odinga.
The party today held two rival Delegates Conventions (DCs) today, laying bare the growing rift between the old guard and demands for generational change.
Speaking at the Linda Mwananchi faction’s People’s NDC at Ufungamano House, Babu Owino drew a firm distinction between respect for age and political legitimacy. “We will respect Oburu Odinga as our elder but not our leader,” the Embakasi East MP declared.
He questioned the manner in which Oburu was installed as party leader after Raila’s passing, claiming members were pressured into the decision in a way that went against Raila’s democratic principles.
“Is that the true spirit of ODM? Is that the true spirit of our leader, Raila Odinga?” Owino asked.
“Is that the spirit of the youth who fought to bring down oppression and raise the burden of freedom? Is that the true spirit of Gen Z?”
Owino, who is co-leading the rival Linda Mwananchi faction with Senate Minority Leader Edwin Sifuna and other young politicians, has repeatedly demanded a properly convened National Delegates Convention to elect new leadership.
He insists the Jamhuri Grounds NDC organised by Oburu’s camp is illegal because party procedures were not followed.
In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the anti-Oburu camp, Winnie Odinga — Raila’s daughter, made a high-profile appearance at Oburu’s official ODM SDC at Jamhuri Grounds.
Far from distancing herself from her uncle, she publicly congratulated him as party leader and reaffirmed her loyalty. “ODM is our home,Leo sikukuja kuchoma. I came to congratulate and wish my party leader Oburu Odinga well. Lets make a a face and change for this party and for everyone”
She called for the creation of more space that gives more youth a chance to exercise leadership while protecting the party’s core values.
Her remarks came after weeks of speculation about family divisions. Earlier reports suggested tension, with Winnie criticising some officials for merely “using” Raila’s name.
Today’s appearance, however, signals alignment with Oburu’s faction, at least for now.
Owino in his earlier remarks with regards to reports of her Winnie shifting allegiance, he used a vivid metaphor: “She’s bigger than the pond where she’s going. She should join the ocean — and this is where the ocean is.”
He likened the Linda Mwananchi faction to a vast ocean of opportunity compared to what he sees as a more restrictive setup.
Despite the jab, Owino has consistently shown respect for the Odinga family, often stating that Raila remains the only political “boss” he has ever recognised.
The contrasting positions of Babu Owino and Winnie Odinga underscore the deep generational and ideological fault lines within ODM.
While Owino and his allies push for radical renewal and fresh faces, Winnie’s endorsement suggests the Odinga family name still holds considerable sway in keeping parts of the party united.
As both NDCs and SDC wrap up today, analysts warn that the coming weeks will be decisive.
The party must either find a way to reconcile the factions or risk a formal split ahead of the 2027 General Election.
One thing remains clear: respect for “Baba” Raila’s legacy is shared across the board, but agreement on who should inherit it is bitterly contested.
