Winnie Odinga made waves at an ODM rally in Nairobi’s Kibra constituency when she declared, “Huwezi copy paste Baba” in Sheng slang. She aimed the words at party leaders trying to imitate her late father Raila Odinga’s leadership style. This came amid rising tensions over who takes the reins in the Orange Democratic Movement after Raila’s passing last year.
The rally happened at Kamukunji Grounds on Saturday. Winnie spoke to a packed crowd. She stood with younger ODM figures like Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Her message was clear. No one can just step in and copy Raila’s ways.
She pointed fingers at her uncle, Oburu Odinga, who leads a rival faction. Winnie called for a National Delegates Conference to sort out the party’s future. She said ODM belongs to the people, not a few elders pushing for deals.
Sifuna backed her up online later. He quoted her line, “Huwezi copy paste Baba,” and added his own twist with “Chogo.” That’s Sheng for a sharp rebuke.
He posted it on social media, showing solidarity. The post got thousands of likes and shares. People saw it as a stand against what Winnie called “hostile takeovers.”
On the same day, Oburu chaired a separate ODM event in Kakamega. That split highlighted the division. Younger members want to keep ODM independent and fighting for reforms.
Elders like Oburu push for alliances, maybe even with President Ruto’s UDA ahead of 2027 polls. Some say Oburu wants ODM to back Ruto without strings attached. Winnie’s camp sees that as selling out Raila’s legacy.
Raila built ODM into a powerhouse over two decades. He led it through elections, protests, and coalitions. His death left a gap. Now, fights over control are out in the open.
Winnie, as his daughter, carries weight. She’s nominated to Parliament and speaks for the youth wing. Babu Owino, known for his firebrand style, joined her at the rally. He roasted critics and vowed to protect the party.
Sifuna has been key too. As secretary general, he’s faced calls to step down. Some blame him for rocking the boat. But Raila trusted him. Before dying, Raila reportedly said, “Sifuna akiongea, nimeongea” – if Sifuna speaks, it’s like I spoke. That endorsement matters. Sifuna has promised dialogue but won’t let ODM get “hawked” to rivals.
Mama Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, has weighed in quietly. She hugged Sifuna at a recent event, a sign of support. That move surprised some, like Gladys Wanga and John Mbadi, who lean toward compromise. Ida’s influence is strong. She reminds everyone ODM isn’t for sale.
Online, the rally sparked debates. Posts flooded X and Facebook. One user called it ODM Asili versus ODM Mpya – original versus new. Others praised Winnie for breathing fire. Critics said she’s disrespectful to elders like Oburu. But many agreed the party needs fresh blood.
This isn’t just family drama. It’s about Kenya’s opposition future. ODM has been the main force against ruling parties. With 2027 coming, splits could weaken it. Some fear Ruto’s camp is stirring the pot to divide and conquer. Oburu has denied threats but pushed for unity on his terms.
George Aladwa, ODM’s Nairobi chair, suggested Winnie as deputy leader. That could shake things up. But elders resist. Oburu once threatened Orengo over support for Ruto. These stories show deep rifts.
In Kibra, a Raila stronghold, the crowd cheered Winnie. They chanted for change. The area has seen protests before. Now, it’s ground zero for ODM’s internal battle.
What’s next? Calls for a delegates conference grow. If it happens, votes could decide factions. Until then, rallies and posts keep the pressure on.
This story tests ODM’s strength. Raila united people across tribes. Without him, can it hold? Winnie’s words echo that challenge. No easy copy-paste for his role.
Kenyans watch closely. Opposition unity matters for checks on power. As 2027 nears, ODM’s path could shape the vote. Updates come fast. But tensions simmer. For now, Winnie’s rally marks a turning point. Youth versus old guard. Independence versus alliance. The fight for ODM’s soul is on.
