Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has proposed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) appoint Winnie Odinga, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as a deputy party leader.
Speaking on January 3, Aladwa called on ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Acting Party Leader Oburu Oginga to convene and consider the proposal.
He suggested that the party could create an additional position for a fourth deputy party leader to accommodate Winnie Odinga.
Aladwa said the proposal should be discussed at the National Executive Committee (NEC) level to help clarify leadership roles and chart the party’s way forward.
He noted that Winnie could fill the leadership gap left after Raila Odinga exited the Nairobi Delegates Committee, adding that expanding the deputy leadership positions would strengthen party unity.
Currently, ODM has three deputy party leaders: Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
The Makadara MP expressed concern that rising tensions within ODM’s top leadership were undermining party cohesion, particularly in Nairobi.
He described the situation as unfortunate, noting that only months after Raila Odinga’s death, the party was already experiencing internal divisions among its senior leaders.
Aladwa called for an urgent meeting of ODM organs to restore order and stability.
On November 23, Aladwa had also urged Acting Party Leader Oburu Oginga to reach out to Winnie Odinga following her public criticism of the party’s leadership. Winnie, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, sparked controversy after alleging that some ODM officials were planning to “sell” the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She has openly opposed the current leadership arrangement, particularly the decision to appoint Oburu Oginga as party leader.
Winnie has called for the convening of a National Delegates Convention (NDC) to allow party members to decide the party’s future direction.
During ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, Winnie warned that any leaders seeking to take charge of the party must first secure legitimacy from its members.
Her remarks raised questions about unity within the Odinga family’s political dynasty.
Oburu Oginga has previously acknowledged concerns about potential family fallout following his brother’s death.
In a past interview, he revealed that he had discussed unresolved family matters with Raila Odinga shortly before his passing, warning that failure to address them could lead to disputes among family members.
ODM officially appointed Oburu Oginga as Acting Party Leader on October 16.
He currently serves alongside National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Nassir, Simba Arati, and Godfrey Osotsi, Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, and National Treasurer Timothy Bosire.
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