Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai has sparked fresh debate within the Orange Democratic Movement after questioning why Winnie Odinga was allowed to address delegates during last Friday’s Special National Delegates Conference at Jamhuri Grounds.
Alai has challenged the basis of Winnie’s appearance at the high-level party meeting, asking whether her opportunity to speak was tied to her lineage as the daughter of Raila Odinga or to any formal position within the party structure.
“Why was she speaking at the Special NDC? Because she is a daughter to Baba Raila Odinga or because she has what position?”
Alai posed, before asserting that ODM is not a family enterprise but a political outfit owned collectively by its members.
The MCA insisted that the party must adhere to institutional principles and legal frameworks, warning against what he described as attempts to personalise leadership.
He further argued that giving preferential treatment to members of one family undermines the democratic ideals upon which ODM was founded.
“ODM is not part of family inheritance. It is a political party owned by members equally and funded by all Kenyans,” he said, adding that any belief in family entitlement within the party is “disrespectful to all other members.”
Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly MP, used her address at the conference to call for internal reforms within ODM.
She urged the party to embrace inclusivity, particularly by integrating young people into decision-making structures rather than limiting them to mobilisation roles during campaigns.
Her remarks also focused on the need for a more responsive leadership, decentralisation of power to grassroots structures, and revitalisation of the party’s youth wing to enhance participation in policy discussions.
Alai’s criticism highlights emerging tensions within ODM as it navigates a period of transition and internal restructuring.
While some leaders have welcomed calls for reform and generational inclusion, others appear concerned about perceptions of dynastic influence within the party.
Despite his criticism, Alai acknowledged Raila Odinga’s legacy, stating that party members “loved and miss Baba,” but emphasized that his leadership should inspire institutional strength rather than personality-driven politics.