Kisumu Woman Representative MP Ruth Odinga has dismissed suggestions that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has been left “orphaned” after the death of its leader, Raila Odinga, who passed away on 15 October 2025 and was buried on 19 October 2025.
Ruth described such sentiments as a betrayal of the party’s resilient spirit and history of struggle.
Speaking during a live interview on Radio Nam Lolwe, Ruth criticised remarks by MPs Sam Atandi (Alego-Usonga), Jared Okello (Nyando), and Mark Nyamita (Uriri), who had implied that the Luo community and ODM members were now politically orphaned and ought to submit to President William Ruto’s government.
“I have never seen a Luo who proudly calls himself an orphan and expects sympathy,” Ruth said.
“Even in the days of Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere, we were known to be fighters. When a leader falls, another must rise. We don’t retreat into an orphan’s corner.”
She urged ODM supporters to reject self-pity and instead re-energise the movement that Raila built, emphasising that the party must remain a national force which speaks truth to power.
“Yes, we are orphaned. But we must press on. Poverty in your brother’s home cannot keep you awake at night, and our plight will not trouble President Ruto. We must emerge with a strong voice,” she said.
Ruth portrayed ODM as a people-driven movement born out of Kenya’s protracted struggle for democracy, rather than a personality cult reliant on a single leader.
“ODM is not a Luo party. It was formed by individuals seeking change, not merely a new political vehicle. When we lost Raila, it became crucial to have voices that remind us of that journey,” she said.
She commended the ODM interim Party Leader – who is also Siaya Senator and her elder brother, Oburu Oginga – for offering stability and unity during the transition, noting that he has demonstrated calm leadership and a willingness to accommodate dissenting views.
Ruth also alluded to her own political ambitions ahead of 2027, stating that she would only stand under the ODM banner and even leaving open the prospect of a presidential bid.
“Nothing prevents me from contesting the presidency. I have all the necessary qualities. But first, I wish to see a vibrant ODM that serves as a safe space for everyone,”
Regarding Luo leadership following Raila’s death, Ruth explained that the late ODM leader had already established structures to ensure continuity, having revived the Luo Council of Elders and institutionalised the ‘Piny Luo’ cultural festival.
“Raila knew his time was drawing near, and he laboured to organise the community’s leadership. The Luo Nation is not adrift,” she said.
Her comments now position her at the heart of efforts to safeguard ODM’s identity and survival amid a rapidly evolving political landscape, as rival movements such as Jubilee realign ahead of 2027.
“We must act in the people’s best interests,” she concluded.
“ODM is not dead. It is wounded, but alive, and we must keep it on its feet.”
In the coming few days, ODM will be celebrating 20 years since its founding, an event that was postponed at least twice.
It is expected that President Ruto, who is among the founding members of the party, will attend the event.
