Ruto Ally Issues Warning to Winnie Odinga as ODM Rift Widens

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has issued a warning to East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga amid growing divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

In a statement dated Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the senator accused Winnie of undermining the leadership of ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga, who succeeded his brother Raila Odinga following his demise.

Cherargei claimed that Winnie’s recent political conduct amounted to unnecessary posturing and distractions within the party.

“This unnecessary political posturing, distractions, and exaggerated self-importance must stop, including undermining her uncle, ODM Party Leader Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga,” Cherargei said.

Senator Cherargei Issues Warning to Winnie Odinga as ODM Rift Widens

The senator further stated that Winnie secured her EALA seat in 2022 partly due to votes from Members of Parliament affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), despite ODM and UDA being in opposing political camps at the time.

“In 2022, immediately after the General Election, I voted for Winnie Odinga to represent Kenya at the East African Legislative Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania. She did not even lobby me for my vote. I voted out of respect for Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and at the time, there was no broad-based government,” he said.

Cherargei added that Winnie should be held accountable for her performance as an EALA legislator. He expressed hope that she would be questioned on her record during a scheduled media interview on Tuesday night.

“I hope Citizen Tv and Yvonne Okwara will ask her what she has achieved as our EALA representative as part of accountability,” he stated.

The remarks come as tensions within ODM continue to surface publicly, with senior party officials increasingly exchanging accusations over leadership and the party’s direction.

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Oburu Responds to Winnie Odinga

For some time, Winnie Odinga and several politicians, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and one of the party’s deputy leaders, Godfrey Osotsi, have been calling for a National Delegates Conference, insisting that party officials should seek a fresh mandate from ODM members.

Speaking at a past rally held in Kibera, Winnie Odinga stated that nobody can “copy-paste” her late father, Raila Odinga.

Also Read: UDA Issues Directive to Members Ahead of Joint Meeting with ODM

In a quick rejoinder, Dr. Oburu Odinga said during a Luo Leaders Forum meeting held in Kisumu on Saturday, January 24, 2026, that he cannot replace or “copy-paste” Raila, describing his brother’s legacy as leaving behind “very big shoes” that no one can fill, including himself.

His remarks come amid negotiations between ODM and President William Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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President William Ruto consults with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the ODM’S Founders Dinner in Mombasa. PHOTO/ODM.