ODM delegates in Nairobi endorse Winnie Odinga for Deputy party leader

Nairobi delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement have unanimously endorsed East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga for the position of deputy party leader, a move aimed at ensuring the capital county regains strong representation in the party’s top echelons following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

The endorsement, announced on 17 March 2026, during a meeting of delegates from all 17 constituencies in Nairobi County, reflects months of consultations to address what leaders describe as a critical gap in leadership from the region.

Makadara MP and Nairobi ODM county chairman George Aladwa, who presided over the meeting, said the decision followed extensive discussions spanning the past two months.

He emphasized that every other region has representation in the party’s leadership, but Nairobi has lacked a voice since Raila Odinga’s passing.

“Every region has representation in the party. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga left us with no representative in the Nairobi region,” Aladwa said. “We as 17 constituencies in Nairobi County have proposed to have our East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga to represent us as deputy party leader.”

The delegates also endorsed Winnie Odinga to replace her late father as the number one delegate for Nairobi County, positioning her to potentially join the National Executive Council in a senior capacity.

Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Raila Odinga, has built a notable political profile since entering regional politics. She was elected to the East African Legislative Assembly by Kenya’s National Assembly and Senate on 17 November 2022, and sworn in on 19 December 2022 in Arusha, Tanzania. Her five-year term runs until 19 December 2027.

Her elevation to the East African Legislative Assembly marked a key milestone in her career, building on her longstanding involvement in the Orange Democratic Movement and advocacy for social justice issues.

For more on Orange Democratic Movement structure and leadership transitions, see the party’s official updates or coverage of Raila Odinga’s legacy on Kenyan political history sites.

Party leadership transition after Raila Odinga passing

The endorsement comes amid ongoing adjustments in the Orange Democratic Movement following Raila Odinga’s death on 15 October 2025 from cardiac arrest while receiving treatment in India. The party’s Central Management Committee, chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, endorsed him as the new party leader in October 2025.

Oburu Odinga was initially named acting leader by the National Executive Council on 16 October 2025 – one day after his brother’s death – and later confirmed in the role.

Secretary General Edwin Sifuna described the decision as a unified effort to support Oburu during a challenging period.

“This being the first meeting of the committee since the passing of the party leader, the top party organ… endorse[s] Oburu Oginga as the new party leader,” Sifuna said at the time.

The Nairobi branch’s push for Winnie Odinga signals efforts to maintain family influence and regional equity as the Orange Democratic Movement prepares for future conventions and the 2027 elections.