Nairobi – Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has called for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to create a new deputy party leader position for Winnie Odinga, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The proposal comes amid rising tensions in the party following internal leadership disagreements.
Aladwa, who also serves as the ODM Nairobi branch chairperson, made the call on Sunday, November 23, urging party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga to formally involve Winnie Odinga in the party’s daily operations.
Aladwa, who also serves as the ODM Nairobi branch chairperson, made the call on Sunday, November 23, urging party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga to formally involve Winnie Odinga in the party’s daily operations.
According to Aladwa, giving her a formal leadership role will bring fresh perspectives to ODM and help resolve ongoing disputes.
The call follows public remarks by Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) lawmaker, who questioned her uncle Oburu Oginga’s ability to effectively steer the party.
The call follows public remarks by Winnie Odinga, an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) lawmaker, who questioned her uncle Oburu Oginga’s ability to effectively steer the party.
During ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, she expressed concerns that some party officials were attempting to sell the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
She urged the party to return to the grassroots and convene a National Delegates Conference to allow members to have a say in leadership decisions.
Aladwa suggested that ODM create a fourth deputy party leader position specifically for Winnie Odinga.
Aladwa suggested that ODM create a fourth deputy party leader position specifically for Winnie Odinga.
“This is my opinion. ODM should create another deputy party leader position for Winnie Odinga. Let us have four deputy party leaders and everything will be fine,” he said.
He believes her involvement would not only bring new ideas but also ease leadership wrangles within the party.
The Nairobi branch chairperson added that party delegates from Nairobi would formally raise the matter during the National Delegates Conference (NDC) next year. This, he said, would ensure that the proposal is discussed and adopted through proper party channels.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised regarding Oburu Oginga’s ascension to ODM leadership. Some party members, led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, have argued that Oburu’s appointment did not comply with the party constitution.
The Nairobi branch chairperson added that party delegates from Nairobi would formally raise the matter during the National Delegates Conference (NDC) next year. This, he said, would ensure that the proposal is discussed and adopted through proper party channels.
Meanwhile, questions have been raised regarding Oburu Oginga’s ascension to ODM leadership. Some party members, led by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, have argued that Oburu’s appointment did not comply with the party constitution.
According to Article 6.6.2(b) of the ODM Constitution, a special session of the National Delegates Conference must be convened to elect a new party leader whenever the position becomes vacant due to death, resignation, removal, or inability to perform duties.
Critics argue that bypassing this process undermines the role of the three existing deputy party leaders, who are mandated to act in the leader’s absence.
Aladwa’s proposal appears aimed at addressing both internal leadership disputes and the growing influence of younger ODM figures like Winnie Odinga.
Aladwa’s proposal appears aimed at addressing both internal leadership disputes and the growing influence of younger ODM figures like Winnie Odinga.
Party members have welcomed discussions that may encourage inclusivity and ensure smooth management of ODM’s internal affairs as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
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