Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has threatened to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring that she would rather join another political party than abandon the fight for justice in Kenya
Her remarks have added to the debate over the party’s future, its leadership direction and the political legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
Ruth said her commitment to justice would remain stronger than her allegiance to any political party, insisting that defending the principles championed by Raila was more important than holding on to a particular political platform.
“Raila will live on, and we Kenyans must defend that,” she said, reaffirming her determination to preserve his legacy.
The Kisumu Woman Representative maintained that she was prepared to make personal and political sacrifices to stand by ODM if the party continued to represent the ideals she believes in.
“If it means me, Ruth Odinga, forfeiting everything to stand with ODM, so be it,” she said.
However, she warned that she would not hesitate to seek an alternative political home if remaining in ODM meant compromising the fight for justice.
“If not ODM and I move on to another party, I will move on because I want justice to remain in Kenya, and we must fight for justice forever,” Ruth declared.
Her statement places the question of political loyalty alongside the broader debate about the principles, leadership and future direction of ODM.
Ruth Odinga puts justice above party loyalty
Ruth’s remarks underline the importance she attaches to preserving what she considers the central values of the Orange Democratic Movement.
Her position suggests that continued membership in ODM depends on whether the party remains committed to justice and the ideals associated with Raila Odinga’s political legacy.
Rather than presenting party membership as an obligation that must be maintained at all costs, she argued that political leaders should be willing to make difficult decisions when their principles are at stake.
Her warning to leave ODM also signals that the party’s internal direction remains an important issue for leaders and supporters who identify with Raila’s legacy.
For Ruth, the choice is clear: she is willing to remain in ODM and make sacrifices for the party, but she is equally prepared to leave if another political platform offers a way to continue pursuing justice.
Edwin Sifuna urges leaders to embrace persuasion
Meanwhile, Edwin Sifuna used his remarks in Siaya to emphasise the political lessons he said Raila taught his supporters, particularly the importance of persuasion, dialogue and putting citizens first.
Sifuna argued that political support should be won through engagement rather than intimidation or coercion.
“Sisi Baba alitufunza siasa ni ushawishi, siasa haulazimishi. Lazima uongeleshe watu polepole,” Sifuna said.
He criticised leaders he accused of threatening and coercing others, insisting that political decisions should reflect the will of the people rather than pressure from individuals seeking to impose their preferred positions.
“Tumeskia viongozi wengine wako hapa kazi yao ni kutisha watu, kazi ni kulazimisha,” he said, questioning the approach taken by leaders he accused of using intimidation.
Sifuna then turned to the people of Siaya, asking them to express their views on the political question of whether a leader should serve one term or two.
“Nataka kujua Siaya, mnasemaje hapa? Hapa ni one term ama two term? Onyesha kidole moja waone,” he said, asking residents to indicate their preference.
His remarks placed public participation at the centre of his message, reinforcing his argument that political leaders should listen to citizens instead of dictating their choices.
Sifuna Thanks Siaya for Supporting Him During His ODM Tenure
The former ODM secretary-general also thanked the people of Siaya for standing with him throughout his eight years in the party’s leadership.
He said the support he received from the region had been important during his time as secretary-general and expressed gratitude for the political journey they had shared.
“Nataka niseme asante kwa watu wa Siaya kwa kusimama na sisi wakati huu wote,” Sifuna said.
He added that residents had supported him throughout his eight-year tenure as ODM secretary-general.
“Kwa miaka nane ambayo nilikuwa katibu mkuu wa chama cha ODM, mlinishikilia mkono,” he said.
Sifuna also recalled Raila’s teaching that the welfare of ordinary Kenyans should guide political decisions.
“Sitawasahau na sitasahau vile ambavyo Baba alitufunza ya kwamba tuweke maisha ya wananchi wetu mbele wakati ambapo tunatoa maamuzi yoyote,” he said.
He stressed that he would not forget the people of Siaya or the lesson that citizens’ lives and welfare must come first whenever leaders make decisions.
ODM’s future and Raila Odinga’s legacy
Ruth Odinga and Edwin Sifuna’s remarks highlight the continuing significance of Raila Odinga’s political legacy in discussions about ODM’s identity and future.
While Ruth has warned that she could leave the party if it fails to uphold justice, Sifuna has emphasised persuasion, public participation and the need to prioritise citizens.
Their statements place accountability, political choice and the welfare of Kenyans at the centre of the debate over the principles that should guide the party.
Whether Ruth ultimately remains in ODM or joins another political party will depend on her political decisions and assessment of the party’s direction.
For now, her message is that political allegiance must not come at the expense of justice, while Sifuna’s remarks remind us that political leadership, as Raila taught, should be grounded in persuasion and service to the people.
