EALA MP Winnie Odinga has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between her and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga, insisting that political disagreements within the party should not be mistaken for family conflict.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Winnie said claims of a family fallout are exaggerated and misplaced, despite growing public debate over differing political positions within ODM.
“There is no family feud. If there was a family feud, I doubt he would tell me that in public. He is a funny guy, his humour is different, and mambo ya nyumbani tunaongea nyumbani,” she said.
Winnie stressed that family matters are handled privately and that political discourse within ODM is open to all members, regardless of family ties.
“When it comes to the party, any member of the family, party or society is free to discuss,” she added, noting that ODM issues are never debated at home.
She further said Oburu respects her right to hold independent views, even when they differ from his.
“I believe Dr Oburu would be the first person to defend my right to have different opinions. I love Dr Oburu, he is my only dad. I don’t know why this has become national news,” Winnie said.
Reiterating the strength of family bonds, she maintained that there is no personal animosity, describing the Odinga family as close-knit and united.
Her remarks come amid heightened internal debate within ODM. In previous engagements, Winnie has accused some party officials of hijacking the party for personal interests, a situation she said has led to parallel rallies and rising internal tensions.
These comments have fuelled speculation of a rift within the party, which Oburu has previously played down, describing the differences as a reflection of democratic diversity in ODM.
Winnie has increasingly positioned herself as a younger, reform-minded voice within the party, expressing discomfort with elite consensus politics and prolonged accommodation with the ruling establishment.
She has warned against what she terms party “sellouts,” while urging patience among members as ODM navigates debates about its future direction.
