Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims of a fallout between her and Oburu Odinga, insisting that no bad blood exists between them. She addressed the speculation amid rising internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement issued on Monday, March 2, Ruth clarified that her recent calls for unity within the party should not be misinterpreted as personal attacks. She emphasized that she respects Oburu’s position as party leader and continues to engage him on both political and family matters.
“Dr. Oburu is the ODM Party Leader and everyone in ODM must respect that,” she stated. She added that she speaks with him regularly and dismissed suggestions that she is fighting him.
Ruth questioned the logic behind claims that she seeks to undermine her elder brother. “I am an old woman. Where do I get the energy to battle a Youth Leader?” she remarked.
Calls for Party Unity
The Kisumu Woman Representative maintained that her criticism targets issues within the party structure and not individuals. She argued that some members have deliberately twisted her remarks to create the impression of rivalry.
Ruth said her appeal for ‘wantam’ and ‘tutam’ supporters to unite reflects her desire to strengthen ODM ahead of key political milestones. She insisted that unity remains critical if the party intends to remain influential on the national stage.
She further defended her push for greater youth inclusion within party leadership structures. According to her, ODM must intentionally create space for younger voices if it hopes to sustain relevance beyond the next election cycle.
Engagement With Delegates
Her remarks followed a meeting with Kisumu Central Constituency ODM delegates and sub-county executives in Kisumu City. The meeting formed part of preparations ahead of county party elections scheduled later this week.
Ruth used the engagement to reiterate her position on internal cohesion. She maintained that ODM must resolve internal disputes to negotiate effectively with other political formations before the next polls.
Factions Within ODM
The Woman Representative openly criticized rival factions within ODM, notably Linda Ground and Linda Wananchi. She described the factions as counter-productive and urged members to prioritize party interests over personal loyalties.
Ruth argued that sustained factional battles weaken ODM’s bargaining power in national politics. She called for an end to divisive groupings and emphasized collective responsibility in shaping the party’s future.
Debate Over the UDA-ODM MoU
Internal wrangles within ODM have intensified amid debate over the Memorandum of Understanding signed between William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM on March 7, 2025. The agreement, anchored on a 10-point agenda, links closely to the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO).
Some ODM leaders have opposed any extension of the MoU beyond its March 7 deadline. Edwin Sifuna has publicly argued that the agreement lacks an extension clause and should lapse as structured.
The MoU addresses governance concerns such as protection of devolution, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and ending extrajudicial killings of young people. The agreement has sparked sharp divisions within ODM, with some leaders backing continued engagement while others demand a clear exit strategy.
Ruth’s Reform Position
Ruth supported leaders within the ODM National Delegates Committee who sought to shield Sifuna from removal over his stance. She has consistently advocated for full implementation of the NADCO report and the agreed reform agenda.
She maintains that ODM must focus on policy outcomes rather than personal disputes. According to her, a unified party will negotiate stronger alliances and secure better terms ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruth reiterated that her loyalty to ODM and respect for Oburu remain intact. She urged members to avoid spreading narratives that distract from the party’s strategic objectives.
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