No cracks in ODM, only diverse views, says Ruth Odinga

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga /FILES

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims of internal cracks in ODM, saying what is being witnessed are normal differences as the party adjusts to life after the loss of its founding leader Raila Odinga.

Ruth said ODM is more than just a political outfit and its foundation as a people-driven movement makes divergent views inevitable.

“I would like to start by saying that the Orange Democratic Movement is not a party. It’s a movement,” she said.

“ODM is a party made for the people, of the people and by the people, so it is a very distinct party and therefore it makes it very unique.”

This, according to Ruth, has made it accommodative to  diverse opinions, which should not be mistaken for disunity.

“When we are talking about ODM, we are talking about a party that is actually embracing the people. It is a people-centric party,” she said.

“It is not a party that you talk about and say it’s individuals that are running the party and people must listen and adhere. It is a party that has been made by the people of Kenya to serve the needs of Kenyans.”

ODM party leader Oburu Odinga during the LInda Ground Tour in Mombasa county /HANDOUT

Her comments come following the emergence of two factions leading two different rallies namely, ODM Linda Ground led by party leader Oburu Odinga and ODM Linda Mwananchi led by secretary general Edwin Sifuna.

Ruth said the transition has been difficult, adding that the loss has had a profound emotional and structural impact on members.

“Remember, we have just lost our founder and party leader and that is very traumatic,” she said.

“In every home, when you lose the person who is in charge, there must always be that trauma and finding your own way is not easy.” 

ODM Secretary General during Linda Mwananchi tour in Kitengela, kajiado county /HANDOUT 

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According to Ruth, such debates reflect the party’s openness and democratic nature rather than weakness.

Political observers have pointed to recent disagreements among ODM leaders as signs of instability, but Ruth maintained that the party remains firmly rooted in its founding ideals and committed to serving Kenyans.

She said ODM’s strength lies in its people-driven character, which allows it to evolve even in difficult moments.

Her remarks signal an attempt by the party leadership to reassure supporters that ODM remains intact and capable of reorganising itself as it charts its future in Kenya’s shifting political landscape.