Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has hinted that she may consider a presidential bid in the 2027 general elections, while emphasising that any run would be under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner.
“Nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes. But first, I want to see a vibrant ODM that is a safe space for everyone,” she said.
On Luo leadership after the death of ODM leader Raila Odinga, Ruth said the late leader had laid structures to ensure continuity, including reviving the Luo Council of Elders and institutionalising the ‘Piny Luo’ cultural festival.
“Raila knew his time was near, and he worked to organise the community’s leadership. The Luo Nation is not lost. We must do what is in the people’s best interest. ODM is not dead. It is wounded, but alive, and we must keep it standing,” she said.
If she formally declares her ambitions, Ruth would join other potential candidates seeking to challenge President William Ruto in 2027, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, activist Boniface Mwangi, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruth Odinga previously served as Kisumu County’s first Deputy Governor from 2013 to 2017 and has been a long-standing member of ODM.
She is the daughter of Jaramogi Odinga, Kenya’s first vice president, and the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga.
Between 2017 and 2022, she served as senior advisor to the Governor and director of Special Programs and Disaster Management.
She was elected Kisumu County Women Representative in August 2022 on an ODM ticket, defeating Valentine Anyango of the Movement for Democracy and Growth party (MDG).
Ruth has previously addressed reports suggesting she opposes ODM joining a coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, describing such reports as misinterpretations. She clarified that she supports ODM working with other parties, provided the party remains strong, united, and well-grounded.
Speaking during a visit by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino and a delegation to Kango ka Jaramogi to condole with the family following Raila Odinga’s death, she emphasised that her focus has been on internal party cohesion.
“I am not against a coalition between ODM and other parties. What I keep saying is that we must have one strong ODM. We have been in the trenches and we know what unity can do,” she said.
She reflected on the disputed 2007 elections, noting that while ODM’s presidential victory was not realised, the party’s cohesion enabled it to secure significant parliamentary positions, including the Speaker’s seat.
“You cannot go to war without a weapon. And the stronger the weapon, the better,” Odinga said, adding that strengthening ODM remains her priority.
