US-based political commentator Cosmo Choy has openly criticized Winnie Odinga, daughter of ODM leader Raila Odinga, accusing her of speaking in a way that undermines the party and its democratic principles.
In a scathing social media post, Choy argued that ODM does not belong to the Odinga family but is instead a party for all Kenyans. He took aim at what he described as a sense of entitlement within Raila’s family regarding party leadership positions.
“Nimeona hii mtoto ya Raila Odinga msichana kanaongea vibaya sana. Hii ODM sio mali ya Raila Odinga, ODM ni chama ya Wakenya wote. Familia ya Raila inaona ni kama hii chama ni mali ya familia yao,” Choy said.
He went further to question the suitability of family members for leadership positions, asserting that they should not automatically assume key roles:
“Huyu Ruth Odinga hafai kuwa women rep Kisumu, anafaa kuwa Ghana, hata Oburu Odinga hafai kuwa party leader, hafai hata kidogo. Haka kasichana kanatusomea ni kama hii ni biashara ya babake,” Choy added.
Choy’s remarks have sparked heated debate online, with some Kenyans supporting his stance that political parties should not be treated as family businesses, while others defended the Odinga family’s historical role in ODM.
Political analysts say the incident highlights ongoing tensions within ODM over succession, leadership, and the balance between party legacy and inclusivity. The debate is likely to intensify as Kenya approaches the 2027 elections, with leadership claims becoming a key issue among major political families.