By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 26 December 2025 - As Kenya’s political scene recalibrates following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) finds itself at a crossroads.
On Thursday, as leaders in ODM sought to reassure supporters that the party remains united, Raila’s sister, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, emerged as the most vocal voice.
Siaya Senator and Party Leader Oburu Oginga used the festivities to stress cohesion, discipline, and the importance of respecting established structures.
"The future of ODM lies in solidarity. Differences must be put aside, and our focus must remain on strengthening our political base,” he said.
Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi echoed the call, emphasizing adherence to official communication channels.
“Any official statement should come only from the Party Secretary or Deputy Secretary. This ensures clarity and prevents misunderstandings,” he remarked.
Amid these reassurances, Ruth Odinga delivered a statement that caught the attention of party watchers and analysts.
While paying tribute to her late brother, she sharply criticized attempts to undermine his legacy: “It is unfortunate that barely two months after laying Rt. Hon. Raila to rest, some characters are busy defaming his name and the reputation he worked so hard to build over the years. Shame on you.”
But it was her comments on the 2027 presidential race that signaled a significant shift.
Framing her readiness as conditional and deferential to party processes, Ruth told supporters: “To the ODM fraternity, if you don’t find someone suitable within ODM ranks to go for the top seat in 2027, talk to me. I am here. I’m ready to face Ruto in 2027.”
Ruth’s remarks underscore a critical tension within ODM: whether to assert itself as an independent political force or continue a pragmatic approach of alliances with the current government.
By signaling her willingness to contest for the presidency, Ruth positions herself not as a presumptive heir but as a steward of the party’s legacy, appealing to a segment of ODM’s base that insists the movement must remain competitive at the national level.
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Analysts note that Ruth’s emergence is not only about personal ambition but also a reflection of deeper questions confronting ODM.
Raila’s leadership provided ideological clarity and electoral focus, which are now absent. Senior figures, including Cabinet Minister Opiyo Wandayi and Kisumu MP Ruth Odinga are navigating the delicate task of keeping the party relevant while managing internal rivalries.
“ODM remains strong and focused on its mission,” Osotsi said, reaffirming the party’s commitment to internal dispute resolution and unity.
Supporters at the event, led by local civic groups under Edward Onyango Bob, echoed Ruth’s call for national relevance.
“We support Ruth’s bid,” Bob said, describing the move as a vision to expand ODM’s influence while championing the party’s foundational ideals.
This backing reflects a desire within certain party factions to see ODM maintain a bold and competitive role in the 2027 elections rather than retreating into regional politics or cautious alliances.
However, significant hurdles remain for Ruth and ODM as a whole. Declaring readiness to run is only the first step; translating moral authority and party loyalty into a viable national campaign will require coalition-building, careful navigation of ethnic dynamics, and a persuasive policy agenda. Furthermore, Ruth must balance her personal ambitions with the need to respect party structures, a challenge she appears conscious of as she frames her potential candidacy as service to the movement rather than a claim to inheritance.
The Christmas Day statements illustrate a party striving to maintain equilibrium: senior leadership reasserting unity and discipline, while new leading lights like Ruth Odinga emerge as symbols of continuity and renewal. Oburu Odinga, Osotsi, and Wandayi’s emphasis on cohesion is complemented by Ruth’s proactive positioning, suggesting a strategy that blends deference to party processes with assertive national ambition.
In this delicate moment, ODM’s trajectory will depend on its ability to manage internal debates, preserve Raila’s legacy, and define its role in the broader Kenyan political landscape. Ruth Odinga’s emergence signals that the post-Raila era will not be defined solely by absence; instead, it may herald a generational and strategic recalibration aimed at keeping the party competitive at the highest level.
As Ruth remarked, “ODM is still alive, still relevant, and still capable of contesting power at the highest level.” In combining loyalty, ambition, and strategic foresight, she has made it clear that the conversation about Kenya’s 2027 elections will not proceed without her voice.
