Speaking in Kisii County during the funeral of the mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Winnie criticized what she described as a growing culture of arrogance among leaders, urging restraint in public communication and respect for citizens.
Her remarks come amid a rising political dispute involving National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and members of the Odinga family, including Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga. The disagreement has fueled wider debate within ODM circles and drawn attention to internal political tensions following recent party engagements.
Without directly naming Mbadi, Winnie appeared to respond to the broader exchange, warning that leaders must avoid turning government institutions into arenas for personal or political confrontation.
“The National Treasury is not a political office. The National Treasury of the Republic of Kenya is not a personal office,” she stated firmly.
She emphasized that the Treasury plays a central role in safeguarding Kenya’s economic stability and should be insulated from political disputes. According to her, public officials must exercise humility and prioritize national interest over personal or factional battles.
Winnie also used her address to highlight the country’s worsening economic conditions, pointing to rising fuel prices, unemployment, business closures, and increasing pressure on households and farmers due to high production costs.
She urged those in charge of the economy to focus on practical solutions rather than political disagreements, warning that continued neglect of economic challenges is deepening public frustration.
“There are people who should be focusing on the economy, not politics. Youth have no jobs, businesses are closing, farmers are struggling, and yet leadership attention is elsewhere,” she said.
Her comments add to a growing chorus of concern over the cost of living and Kenya’s fiscal pressures, issues that have increasingly dominated national political discourse.
The political tension escalated further after reports emerged of disagreements within ODM following remarks attributed to Mbadi during a party retreat in Mombasa. Ruth Odinga later criticized those comments, alleging they were disrespectful to the Odinga family and the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
Mbadi, however, dismissed the claims, insisting his remarks were misrepresented and meant for internal party reflection. He maintained that ODM remains a national party that does not belong to any family or community.
“The party does not belong to a family. It does not belong to any one community,” Mbadi stated in response to the controversy.
The exchange has exposed widening divisions within opposition ranks, with leaders increasingly taking public positions on internal party matters.
Winnie Odinga’s remarks are now seen as part of a broader push for more respectful political engagement and a renewed focus on governance and economic recovery rather than escalating political confrontation.
As the debate continues, attention is shifting to how ODM leaders will manage internal disagreements while maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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