Winnie Odinga Speaks After Oburu Oginga Confirmed as ODM Party Leader

ODM has officially ended months of uncertainty after confirming Oburu Oginga as its substantive party leader during a Special Delegates Conference held in Nairobi.

The decision was made on Thursday, March 27, at Jamhuri Grounds, where delegates overwhelmingly endorsed his leadership after he had served in an acting position for about five months. The move was seen as a major step in stabilizing the party and strengthening its direction ahead of future elections.

Winnie Odinga Calls for Youth Inclusion

Following the announcement, Winnie Odinga congratulated Oburu and used the moment to call for more space for young people within the party.

“Congratulations, party leader. As you lead this next phase of transition, we hope you will open up space for young people in this party and give us our rightful place,” she said.

Winnie also clarified that she did not intend to create conflict during the meeting, but instead pushed for reforms that would make ODM more inclusive and open to all members.

Unity Message from Oburu Oginga

After being officially confirmed, Oburu Oginga accepted the leadership role and described ODM as one of Kenya’s most resilient political parties with a strong history of over 20 years.

He assured members that the party would remain united and inclusive, while still respecting democratic processes.

“I want to tell my daughter Winnie that we are not going to exclude anyone. We will remain an inclusive party, but we will also follow democratic principles,” he said.

Oburu also warned against confusing democracy with chaos, adding that ODM will continue to respect both majority decisions and minority voices.

He further dismissed claims that the party had been influenced or “bought,” insisting that ODM remains independent and focused on its political agenda.

Leadership Changes Confirmed

The conference also approved major leadership changes within the party. Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir and Simba Arati were confirmed as deputy party leaders.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi failed to secure a deputy position after lacking a proposer and seconder during the vote.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga was also confirmed as the national chairperson, with Otiende Amolo and John Ariko Namoit serving as her deputies.

The meeting marked a major restructuring of ODM leadership as the party positions itself for future political battles.