Ruth Odinga Denies Feud with Oburu Odinga, Calls for Unity in ODM
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed reports of a rift between herself and Oburu Odinga, reaffirming that there is no personal or political fallout between the two leaders amid ongoing internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement issued on Monday, March 2, Ruth, who also serves as the party’s Deputy Organising Secretary, clarified that her recent remarks advocating for unity within ODM had been misinterpreted as a sign of discord with her elder brother.
“Dr. Oburu is the ODM Party Leader and everyone in ODM must respect that. I speak to him regularly as the Party Leader and as my elder brother over a variety of issues. But some people have created a notion that I am battling him. I am an old woman. Where do I get the energy to battle a Youth Leader?” she stated.
Her remarks come at a time when the party has been grappling with internal disagreements, particularly around leadership dynamics and ideological direction ahead of upcoming political engagements. Ruth emphasised that her calls for cohesion should not be construed as insubordination, but rather as a commitment to strengthening the party.
Addressing allegations that she had disrespected the party leadership, Ruth defended her position, reiterating the importance of inclusivity and collective responsibility within ODM structures.
“I have been accused of disrespecting our Party Leader, Dr. Oburu Oginga. How does calling for ‘wantam’ and ‘tutam’ proponents to come together and work as a single voice amount to disrespect? Like I have always said, we must figure out as a party the inclusion of youth voices in party affairs across the party leadership hierarchy.”
The Woman Representative made the remarks following a consultative meeting with ODM delegates and sub-county officials from Kisumu Central, held in Kisumu. The engagement was part of broader preparations ahead of imminent county-level party elections expected later in the week.
During the meeting, Ruth maintained that unity within ODM remains critical, particularly as the party positions itself for future political negotiations and alliances. She called for an end to factional divisions, specifically referencing rival groups within the party that have emerged in recent months.
According to her, the existence of competing factions risks weakening ODM’s bargaining power and undermining its broader political objectives. She urged members to prioritise collective interests over internal competition.
The internal debates within ODM have also been fuelled by differing opinions over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and ODM in March 2025. The agreement, which outlines a 10-point agenda, has drawn both support and criticism from within the party.
Some leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have opposed any extension of the MoU beyond its stipulated timeline, arguing that it lacks provisions for renewal. The agreement is linked to the recommendations of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO), which sought to address governance and socio-political concerns across the country.
Ruth, who has previously backed efforts to protect Sifuna from removal within party ranks, reiterated her support for the full implementation of the NADCO report and its reform agenda. She argued that a united ODM would be better positioned to negotiate future political arrangements and secure favourable outcomes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
As internal discussions continue, Ruth’s message underscores a broader call for reconciliation and strategic alignment within ODM, as the party navigates a complex political landscape marked by shifting alliances and evolving priorities.
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Ruth Odinga Denies Feud with Oburu Odinga, Calls for Unity in ODM
