Ruth, who is the younger sister of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, said the party’s main goal now is to strengthen itself and prepare for the next election.
She stated that ODM will continue to support the current government until 2027 but will not join Ruto’s re-election campaign.
“We are part of the broad-based government until 2027, then we will decide our own path. We are not striking another agreement. We are strengthening ODM,” Ruth said during a recent interview.
Her statement comes at a time when ODM is struggling with internal divisions following the death of Raila Odinga.
The former Prime Minister passed away earlier this month after a short illness while on a medical trip abroad. His death left the party uncertain about its direction and leadership.
ODM has been working with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) through a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2025.
The agreement allowed ODM members to take part in the running of government, but it was never meant to be a pre-election deal.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna supported Ruth’s position. He said that Raila had made it clear before his death that ODM would remain independent during the next election.
“Raila said ODM must prepare for the 2027 election. Those who are saying otherwise are not telling the truth. We will follow Baba’s last message,” Sifuna said during Raila’s funeral in Bondo.
Currently, the party is being led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, who is serving as interim leader as ODM prepares for a national delegates’ meeting. Many members are calling for unity as the party looks for a new direction.
Ruth urged ODM members to remain calm and focus on rebuilding the party’s grassroots structures. She said that the spirit of Raila Odinga should guide them as they prepare for the future.
“ODM will rise again. We will keep Raila’s dream alive,” she said.
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