Winnie Odinga Breaks Silence After Sifuna’s Removal as ODM SG

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has criticised ODM party leader Dr Oburu Odinga following the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.

In a statement dated Thursday, February 12, 2026, Winnie compared the current ODM leadership to that of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

She argued that the present leadership does not reflect the party’s founding values of sacrifice and people-centred politics.

“If you didn’t put your life on the line for the people when they risked their own lives, then you are not fit to speak on behalf of the people of ODM because you simply don’t understand their sacrifice,” she said.

“That sacrifice is a qualifier for leadership of this party. The question is, ‘Do you understand the sacrifice of the people, or is it simply a tool of trade for you?’”

Winnie said that under her father’s leadership, ODM listened to its supporters and was guided by the will of the people.

Winnie Odinga Breaks Silence After Sifuna’s Ouster

She recalled the January 30, 2018, swearing-in ceremony in which Raila Odinga declared himself the “People’s President” following the disputed 2017 General Election. She said her father initially had reservations about the event due to security concerns.

“He took me aside and told me that he would die that day and didn’t want me to see him being killed,” she said. “He had trepidations; he did not want any more harm done to his people, but the people told him that they wanted his swearing in. He accepted what the people were saying and went on that stage because he was prepared to die for his people.”

Also Read: Sifuna Speaks on Forming a Political Alliance with Babu and Winnie Odinga

Winnie maintained that ODM is not a “Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)” and insisted that the current internal wrangles are about the party’s values rather than individual leaders.

“Today, this fight in ODM is not about individual leaders; it is about the soul, virtues, and values of ODM,” she stated.

EALA MP Vows to Stand by Her Principles 

She further said the party should not reduce its struggle to mobilise supporters through handouts or party merchandise.

“ODM and what Baba fought for is not a joke. It’s not a footnote in history. It is not paying people to wear party colours and chant; ODM is not that simple,” she said.

Also Read: Edwin Sifuna Refuses to Leave ODM Secretary General Position

Winnie also cited German theologian Martin Niemöller’s famous quote, warning against silence in the face of injustice.

Her statement comes a day after the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) removed Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, citing disciplinary concerns.

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ODM leader Raila Odinga (left) and his brother, Dr Oburu Oginga during the Christmas service at St Peter Nyamira ACK church in Bondo on December 25, 2018. PHOTO | ONDARI OGEGA