Millie Odhiambo Urges Kenyans to Let Winnie Odinga Grieve Before Taking on ODM Duties

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has appealed to Kenyans to allow the Odinga family space to mourn the late Raila Odinga, saying the pressure on Winnie Odinga to immediately assume a central role in ODM’s political future is unfair and insensitive

Speaking on NTV’s Fixing the Nation programme, Odhiambo said Winnie, who was exceptionally close to her father, should not be expected to instantly fill the enormous political void he left behind

“We want to make the Odingas superhuman. Winnie is a young girl who has lost her father, whom she adored. Grief of a person you loved is deep,” Millie noted, emphasizing that Winnie is also grappling with the complexities of ODM’s internal politics

She added that Winnie is concerned about the leadership transition, especially amid dissent within the party and growing pressure on Raila’s elder brother, 82-year-old Oburu Oginga, who was elected as ODM’s new party leader

According to Millie, Winnie supports the party’s direction but worries that without proper validation, it may appear as though leadership is being imposed

Winnie recently demonstrated striking confidence during ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa, reminding many of her father’s political prowess. Still, Millie cautioned that Raila’s absence has left a significant gap that cannot be filled overnight

“Those who believe in justice, democracy and the values Baba championed feel orphaned,” she said, noting that ODM is preparing for a “bumpy ride” as it restructures itself

Millie further argued that Raila’s successor will emerge naturally over time, despite the party having several strong leaders shaped under his mentorship

She cited Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff, Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Joho and John Mbadi, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as capable figures

“The mistake we are making is looking for a Baba in each of us. Just look for somebody who can be good in their own right,” she insisted

Her remarks come amid speculation of cracks within ODM, as some members back the broad-based government arrangement forged between Raila and President William Ruto, while others push for a fresh direction ahead of the 2027 elections

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Millie pointed out that leaders like Sifuna must craft broader strategies to survive competitive political landscapes such as Nairobi

Meanwhile, Winnie, Sifuna and Babu seen as leading a distinct faction have insisted that ODM should return to the people to determine its future course. Winnie, also an EALA MP, questioned whether those managing the broad-based relationship are capable, saying the public should make that decision through an NDC

Babu Owino echoed this, urging the party to stand firmly with citizens and be ready for mass action should the government fail to honour its commitments

As ODM navigates this transition, Millie Odhiambo maintains that the Odinga family deserves compassion, and Winnie must be allowed to grieve before stepping fully into the political expectations placed upon her

Writer : Mweru Mbugua