Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims of a fallout with Oburu Oginga, insisting her calls for internal cohesion within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) should not be misconstrued as disrespect toward the party leadership.
Speaking in Kisumu, amid growing speculation of divisions within ODM, Ruth said she remains committed to strengthening the party and unifying its ranks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“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?” she posed.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of factional undercurrents within the party, including camps loosely identified as “Linda Ground” and “Linda Wananchi.”
Ruth reiterated that her push for consolidation is aimed at positioning ODM as a cohesive and competitive political force in future coalition negotiations.
“My stand has not changed: I want one strong united ODM Party. We need to collapse ‘Linda Ground’ and ‘Linda Wananchi’ and whatever other faction out there into one formidable force; the requisite political muscle to engage in a structured negotiation with other parties ahead of elections next year,” she stated.
The Kisumu Woman Rep reiterated that the Political Parties Act provides a clear timeline for formalising pre-election coalition agreements, noting that parties have until May 2027, or three months before the polls, to deposit such arrangements.
She said this offers ODM adequate time to resolve internal differences and streamline its strategy.
“That means we must make use of the available time to put our Orange house in order,” she said.
Addressing reports of tension between her and Dr. Oburu, Odinga maintained that she respects his authority and engages him regularly on party matters.
“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,” she said.
She dismissed assertions that she is engaged in a leadership contest, terming such claims divisive.
“Those claiming I am fighting Dr. Oburu are the real enemies of ODM. I always speak my mind because ODM is a democratic party; it doesn't mean I am fighting anyone,” she added.
Ruth Odinga further called for greater inclusion of young people in party structures, arguing that youth participation across the leadership hierarchy is critical to sustaining ODM’s relevance and internal democracy.
The Orange party has been embroiled in internal fights since the death of its founding leader and former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
The fights are largely between the youthful leaders in the party and the old guard who have been part of the formation for years.
