Speaking during a press briefing at Chungwa House on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Wanga acknowledged the recent meeting by Nairobi delegates, led by Makadara MP George Aladwa, who backed Winnie’s elevation within the party ranks.
“Nairobi delegates met, and we are happy that the party is vibrant in Nairobi. We are also happy that Winnie said ODM is her home; nobody can welcome her home. We are yet to receive any formal communication, and once it is received, it will be handled by the relevant party organs,” Wanga stated.
Her remarks come amid heightened political activity within ODM following the recent recognition of Winnie Odinga as “Delegate Number One,” a symbolic position previously held by her late father, Raila Odinga. During the Nairobi delegates’ forum, she was also proposed as a candidate for the Deputy Party Leader role.
The proposal is expected to be tabled at the party’s upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC), scheduled for March 27, 2026, at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
The event is anticipated to play a key role in shaping ODM’s leadership structure amid internal divisions.
Aladwa has been one of the strongest proponents of Winnie’s rise, having earlier called for her appointment to the delegate position before pushing for her elevation to deputy party leader.
He has dismissed claims that ODM risks becoming a family-led outfit, noting that leadership should be based on capability rather than lineage.
Currently, key positions within the party are held by members of the Odinga family, including Oburu Odinga as party leader and Ruth Odinga as Organising Secretary.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi warned that while Winnie has a democratic right to seek leadership, there could be underlying motives behind the push, particularly in relation to the legitimacy of the upcoming NDC.
Siaya Governor James Orengo defended Winnie, stating that she has remained committed to protecting her father’s political legacy and the core values of ODM.
Currently, key positions within the party are held by members of the Odinga family, including Oburu Odinga as party leader and Ruth Odinga as Organising Secretary.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi warned that while Winnie has a democratic right to seek leadership, there could be underlying motives behind the push, particularly in relation to the legitimacy of the upcoming NDC.
Siaya Governor James Orengo defended Winnie, stating that she has remained committed to protecting her father’s political legacy and the core values of ODM.