Delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nairobi have officially endorsed Winnie Odinga for the position of deputy party leader, in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s leadership structure in the capital.
The endorsement, backed by representatives from all 17 constituencies, follows weeks of internal consultations within the party.
Speaking during the delegates meeting, George Aladwa said the decision was reached after a two-month process of discussions and consensus-building.
“We have had several meetings in the last two months to look for a representative. 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 EALA MP Winnie Odinga to represent us as deputy party leader,” he added.
Move aimed at filling leadership gap in Nairobi
The endorsement comes amid growing calls within ODM to ensure balanced regional representation in the party’s top leadership.
Leaders noted that Nairobi, despite being a key political battleground, has lacked a strong voice at the highest levels of the party following recent political shifts.
Winnie Odinga’s nomination is therefore seen as an effort to fill that gap while strengthening ODM’s presence in the capital.
Why Winnie Odinga?
Party delegates pointed to a combination of experience, visibility and strategic positioning in backing Winnie Odinga.
Currently serving in the East African Legislative Assembly, she brings regional legislative exposure and experience in policy engagement.
Her involvement in party mobilisation, particularly among youth and urban voters, has also made her a visible figure within ODM structures.
Leaders further see her as a unifying candidate capable of rallying Nairobi’s diverse political base while reinforcing the party’s leadership bench.
At the same time, her close association with Raila Odinga is viewed by supporters as continuity of ODM’s political ideology and direction.
Next steps in party leadership process
While the endorsement marks a significant step, the final decision on the deputy party leader position will be subject to ODM’s internal approval processes.
If confirmed, Winnie Odinga will take up a key role in shaping party strategy, mobilisation and national political direction.
Her elevation would also signal ODM’s effort to balance experience with generational renewal as the party looks ahead.
