Activist Tells Winnie Odinga She Is Being Misused by Orengo and Sifuna

 Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has cautioned Winnie Odinga against associating with the Linda Mwananchi faction linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, warning that the move could undermine her political future.

Ngetich, who spoke on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights, said Winnie risked making a political miscalculation by aligning herself with the group, arguing that the excitement surrounding its activities could fade as the 2027 General Election approaches.

He claimed that the faction lacked the political numbers, organisational structures and resources required to mount a successful presidential campaign, adding that winning the presidency required sustained political networking and a stable party.

Ngetich further argued that Winnie’s association with the faction contradicted the position he said had been adopted by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to cooperate with President William Ruto’s administration under the broad-based government arrangement.

He maintained that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had advocated national unity and cooperation across political divides, urging Winnie to remain aligned with the ODM family and support the broad-based government.

According to Ngetich, Winnie had an opportunity to carry forward her father’s political legacy by working with ODM leaders who support cooperation with the government ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also appealed to Luo elders and professionals to engage Winnie and persuade her to reconsider her political position, arguing that her political future would be better served by maintaining strong ties with the ODM establishment.

Ngetich further criticised Sifuna, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Siaya Governor James Orengo, accusing them of pursuing political interests that he said could undermine national unity. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The activist also questioned the ability of the emerging opposition alliance to challenge President Ruto, citing the President’s political networks and development agenda as factors he believes could strengthen his re-election bid.

Ngetich claimed that the youths who chanted anti-government slogans during Raila Odinga’s memorial events did not necessarily represent the position of the wider Luo community. He alleged that some had been paid or intoxicated, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.

He insisted that Winnie had a right to make her own political decisions but urged her to weigh the long-term implications of her alliances.

“Winnie Odinga should not allow her political potential to be used by people whose ambitions may not align with her long-term interests,” Ngetich argued.

His remarks come amid political divisions over ODM’s relationship with the broad-based government and the direction the party should take ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The debate has also raised questions about the political future of Raila Odinga’s family and the competing strategies emerging among leaders seeking to shape the country’s opposition politics.

Ngetich maintained that Winnie should reconsider her position, warning that political alliances built around personalities and temporary excitement could prove difficult to sustain during a national election campaign.