Kalonzo made the remarks on Friday, January 23, 2026, while attending a memorial ceremony in Ngaaie, Mwingi North, in honour of the late Dorcas Mutindi Matiki.
The former Vice President used the platform to warn the political class against suppressing emerging voices, arguing that Kenya’s democratic progress depends on allowing young leaders to express themselves without fear.
Defending Winnie Odinga
Without naming names, Kalonzo criticized those pushing for punitive action against outspoken ODM youth leaders, especially those who have questioned ODM’s newly growing cooperation with President William Ruto’s ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“No one should bully Winnie Odinga. She has shown courage and conviction. When young leaders speak their truth, we must treat them as an inspiration, not a threat,” Kalonzo stated, drawing applause from the audience.
Kalonzo praised Winnie’s resilience, describing her as part of a new generation of Kenyan leaders willing to confront challenges instead of conforming quietly.
His remarks came after rumours of disciplinary action against several outspoken ODM figures, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
The three, alongside Winnie, have been accused by senior ODM officials of resisting the proposed ODM–UDA “broad-based” political cooperation being advanced ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Internal ODM Tensions
ODM has recently faced internal turbulence as party elders attempt to align with national political restructuring.
The three, alongside Winnie, have been accused by senior ODM officials of resisting the proposed ODM–UDA “broad-based” political cooperation being advanced ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Internal ODM Tensions
ODM has recently faced internal turbulence as party elders attempt to align with national political restructuring.
Supporters of the pact argue it will stabilize politics and reduce electoral hostility. Critics, however, accuse party leaders of abandoning ideological consistency for short-term calculations.
The tensions became visible earlier this month when some ODM officials floated the possibility of removing non-aligned youthful figures from party leadership positions.
The tensions became visible earlier this month when some ODM officials floated the possibility of removing non-aligned youthful figures from party leadership positions.
That suggestion triggered concern among younger supporters, who view the current moment as a rare opening for generational renewal in national politics.
Kalonzo’s intervention adds weight to those defending youth participation, especially considering his seniority in Kenya’s political landscape.
Broader Meaning for Youth in Politics
The Wiper Party boss broadened his message by urging the country to reject political cultures rooted in intimidation, exclusion and generational fear. According to him, Kenya’s democratic future cannot be built by silencing vibrant voices.
“The crude attempt to intimidate and silence young leaders must be called out by all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
His remarks coincided with news that the Odinga family had convened an emergency meeting to address simmering party disputes.
Kalonzo’s intervention adds weight to those defending youth participation, especially considering his seniority in Kenya’s political landscape.
Broader Meaning for Youth in Politics
The Wiper Party boss broadened his message by urging the country to reject political cultures rooted in intimidation, exclusion and generational fear. According to him, Kenya’s democratic future cannot be built by silencing vibrant voices.
“The crude attempt to intimidate and silence young leaders must be called out by all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation,” he said.
His remarks coincided with news that the Odinga family had convened an emergency meeting to address simmering party disputes.
The meeting, confirmed by Raila Junior, followed President Ruto’s surprise nomination of Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Critique of the Education Sector
Away from ODM controversies, Kalonzo used the memorial gathering to revisit criticism of Kenya’s education sector, accusing the government of dismantling structures that had taken decades to build.
Critique of the Education Sector
Away from ODM controversies, Kalonzo used the memorial gathering to revisit criticism of Kenya’s education sector, accusing the government of dismantling structures that had taken decades to build.
He cited institutions such as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) as examples of policies that once supported thousands of young Kenyans.
According to Kalonzo, current reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) have left more than 500,000 students unable to proceed with their education, placing heavy burdens on families.
According to Kalonzo, current reforms under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) have left more than 500,000 students unable to proceed with their education, placing heavy burdens on families.