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EALA MP Winnie Odinga has expressed gratitude to ODM supporters for standing with her family following the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday during the opening of the ODM@20 celebrations, she said her family still feels the deep weight of the loss and appreciates the sympathy shown across the country.
“I want to thank you for being there for my family when we lost Baba. We are all feeling the pain,” she said.
Raila died on October 15, 2025.
Winnie noted that the grief of losing the man fondly known as Baba has been shared by his supporters nationwide.
“I know we feel robbed, we feel sad and confused. But today I want to thank the ODM youth. I have seen your condolence messages, and I’m truly grateful,” she said.
She also praised ODM women for encouraging her to speak to the youth and acknowledged the condolence messages and videos shared on TikTok and Instagram.
Winnie described Raila as more than a political leader to young party members—calling him a mentor and a source of direction.
She encouraged the youth to continue engaging older men in their communities, emphasising the importance of their wisdom.
“We must strengthen this party across the country so that even in heaven, Baba can hear us,” she said.
Addressing claims of divisions within ODM, Winnie referenced Raila’s popular phrase kelele ya chura, saying confusion is normal in moments of grief but stressing that the party remains united and rebuilding.
She dismissed any claims of betrayal within ODM, saying such behaviour would not be tolerated.
“ODM was not formed in a bedroom, so its future will not be decided through pillow talk,” she said.
“ODM has been the heartbeat of this country for two decades. It was born from protest, shaped by resistance, and its people have shed blood, sweat and tears for Kenya.”
While admitting the party has made mistakes at times, she affirmed its commitment to its purpose.
She rejected labels portraying the party as chaotic, noting that the process of nation-building is often tough and messy.
“We’re sorry we don’t always get everything right—poleni. But we will never apologise for being inconvenient,” she said.
“They call us a party of goons, yet what we are doing is building a nation. It is messy, uncomfortable, and emotional.”
Winnie said the party belongs to the people and will continue growing because its young members have conviction.
She commended the youth for remaining active even after Raila’s passing.
“It speaks volumes that after Baba’s death, these young people are here. They have conviction,” she said, urging them to continue forward with unity and confidence.
