East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should allow its members to determine the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 General Election through the National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Speaking during an interview, Winnie said no final decision has been made on whether ODM will field its own presidential candidate or endorse President William Ruto for a second term.
She maintained that such a crucial decision should be made through the party’s established structures rather than by a few individuals.
“We will have a National Delegates Convention later this year, and that is where such decisions will be made,” she said.
The daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga cautioned against a situation where a handful of leaders prioritize their personal political interests over the wishes of ODM supporters.
According to Winnie, the party must listen to its members and give them an opportunity to decide its political path heading into the 2027 elections.
“The party needs to let the people decide and listen to what supporters want,” she said.
She further claimed that some individuals within ODM are more focused on political survival than representing the interests of party members.
“There is a lot of briefcases carrying and people are looking for self-survival, and there the will of the people may not be a priority,” she said.
On whether her father, the late Raila Odinga, would have contested the presidency in 2027 had he been alive, Winnie said the current political and economic climate, including public dissatisfaction and slow development, could have influenced him to join the race once again.
However, she clarified that her remarks should not be interpreted as criticism of President William Ruto’s performance, noting that her point was that more could still be done to address the concerns of Kenyans.
Winnie also reiterated that she cannot speak on behalf of all ODM members regarding the possibility of endorsing President Ruto, insisting that the final decision rests with the party membership through the National Delegates Convention.
