- Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga hints at running for presidency in 2027 under ODM.
- She urges ODM to remain vibrant, united, and inclusive.
- Ruth dismisses claims that the party and Luo community are “orphaned” after Raila’s death.
- She warns ODM renegades against splitting the party and emphasises continuity of Raila’s legacy.
Ruth Odinga, sister of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, has signalled her interest in the 2027 presidential race, saying she has the experience and vision needed to seek the country’s top office.
“Nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes. But first, I want to see a vibrant ODM that is a safe space for everyone,” Ruth said on Wednesday, November 12.
Addressing concerns about Luo leadership after Raila’s passing, Ruth stressed that her brother had laid the groundwork for political and cultural continuity.
“Raila knew his time was near, and he worked to organise the community’s leadership. The Luo Nation is not lost. We must do what is in the people’s best interest,” she added.
Ruth rejected claims that ODM was left “orphaned,” calling such talk a betrayal of Raila’s legacy. She criticised politicians, suggesting the Luo community should submit to President Ruto’s government.
“Even in the days of Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere, we were fighters. When a leader goes down, another must rise. We don’t recoil into an orphan’s corner,” she said.
Ruth urged ODM members to focus on revitalising the party as a national voice of accountability and reform.
“Yes, we are orphaned. But we must move forward. Poverty in your brother’s home cannot make you lose sleep, and our situation will not make President Ruto lose sleep. We must come out with a strong voice,” she stated.
Weeks after Raila’s funeral, Ruth sent a stern message to party renegades, reminding them of Raila’s instructions for ODM to remain united and strong.
“He told me the day before he passed that ODM must be united and strong. We cannot have groups within the party. The party belongs to all of us,” she said.
Ruth emphasised that ODM must continue building alliances with like-minded parties while keeping Raila’s vision alive.
