Ruth Odinga: ODM is the woman everyone wants to marry
Kisumu Women Representative and sister to the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, Ruth Odinga, has described the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a strong and attractive political force, likening the party to the woman everybody wants to marry.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ruth Odinga expressed confidence in ODM’s strength and influence in the country’s political landscape.
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She said the party remains formidable and capable of charting its own path if members unite and resolve their differences.
“ODM is a very strong party. This is the woman everybody wants to marry,” she said.
She called on the two factions within the party to reconcile and work together, noting that unity would enable ODM to reassert its dominance and clearly outline its agenda.
“If we can have our act together, and these two factions can come back together, and we come out strong, we are going to be able to say, ‘Here we are, this is our card, and this is what we want,’” she stated.
Ruth Odinga also challenged the notion that ODM should shy away from fielding a presidential candidate in future elections.
She questioned why the party would downplay its ambitions if it has capable leaders willing to vie for the top seat.
“Even if somebody from ODM is willing to become president, why would we say that ODM does not want to field a president?” she posed.
Mediation
Further, she has called for mediation and adherence to internal party processes following the removal of Edwin Sifuna from his position as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ruth Odinga emphasised that while Sifuna has been vocal in expressing his views, he is entitled to a fair hearing under the party’s constitution and disciplinary framework.
She noted that, if there were concerns regarding discipline, the appropriate structures, including arbitration and mediation, should have been engaged to allow him an opportunity to respond.
“Edwin Sifuna has been speaking his mind and has his right, and if there was any issue about discipline, he should have also been given the right to reply. Even in Shakahola, the accused people were also given a chance to speak,” she stated.
