Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims by some politicians that they held private conversations with her late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying such assertions are false and misleading.
Speaking at her Nyahera residence on Monday, during a gathering of veterans of Kenya’s multiparty reform struggle, Ruth emphasized the importance of honesty in political discourse, especially concerning Raila Odinga’s legacy.
She noted that Raila Odinga, a central figure in Kenya’s democratic movement, was known for his open communication with all individuals, regardless of their societal standing.
“The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, who was a member of this noble group, was not a gossiper. He would speak with everyone regardless of their position in the society, and this is a story those who knew him understand pretty well,” she stated.
Ruth was particularly critical of politicians who claim to have held private discussions with Raila on sensitive national matters.
“Anyone telling Kenyans that Hon. Raila had a series of private conversations with him on a wide range of issues is lying, and must be called out,” she said, warning against the politicization of Raila’s name for personal gain.
The Kisumu Woman Representative also defended her late brother’s public approach to political engagement, noting that figures like ODM Secretary-General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna maintained open communication with him.
“Talking of Baba’s sons, Nairobi Senator and ODM SG, Edwin Sifuna was equally his son and used to talk to him. So no one should claim to have been closer to Raila than everyone else,” she said.
Ruth urged party members and leaders to focus on the implementation of key reforms outlined in the NADCO report rather than engaging in internal squabbles.
“We must discard sideshows and pursue the 10-point agenda of the NADCO report. Baba died asking about compensation for election violence victims. It is no secret,” she said, reiterating Raila’s commitment to social justice issues.
On the issue of party loyalty, Ruth Odinga warned against attempts to weaken or “sell” the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“Do not sell the ODM Party. Some people have already sold it and have been given timelines for the completion of the transaction. A political party of ODM’s stature must be strong. Those who want to sell the party do not know the struggles and deaths, and detentions that birthed multiparty democracy and subsequently the ODM party,” she said.
She stressed the need for strategic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning against blind negotiations that could undermine the party’s influence.
“Like I have always said, I am not against negotiations ahead of 2027 elections. But that should not make us yes-men. If we are to join the government, what would be the conditions? We risk negotiating ourselves to oblivion if we don’t work on the party strength, which would give us the numbers we put on the table,” she said.
Ruth Odinga reaffirmed her commitment to the party’s grassroots foundation.
“ODM is a party by the people for the people,” she said.
Her remarks come at the backdrop of claims by a section of politicians who say they held conversations with the late former Prime Minister privately and he told them the direction the ODM party should take even in his absence.
