Kisumu Woman Ruth Odinga launched a strong defense of the Odinga family legacy following remarks by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi that she described as a personal attack and an attempt to devalue the sacrifices made by the family in Kenya’s democratic struggle.
In a lengthy statement issued, Ruth accused Mbadi of unfairly targeting the Odinga name during an ODM retreat held in Mombasa on May 4, where senior party officials and Cabinet Secretaries allied to the party attended.
According to Ruth, Mbadi told delegates that ODM “does not belong to the Odingas” and warned against entitlement based on the family name.
She further claimed the CS stated that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was “dead and buried” and that party leaders like himself had heavily invested in ODM.
Ruth said she interpreted the remarks as directed at her because she was the only member of the Odinga family present at the retreat.
“I, as an Odinga by biology and also ideological Odinga, believing in what Jaramogi and Raila stood for, cannot sit pretty and allow this to pass without setting the records straight,” she said.
The Kisumu politician defended the role played by the Odinga family in the country’s struggle for multiparty democracy, recounting years of exile, political persecution and personal sacrifices linked to the family name.
She revealed that after the failed 1982 coup attempt, she fled into exile in Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and later Norway due to a government crackdown targeting individuals associated with the Odinga family.
“Because of the Odinga name I carry, I lived the experience and it is not something you would wish for your worst enemy,” she stated.
Ruth also recalled assisting Raila Odinga during his exile in Norway after his release from detention in 1991, saying the family endured hardship and danger during periods of political repression.
At the same time, she dismissed claims that the Odinga family feels entitled to leadership within ODM, insisting that she has had to fight her own political battles despite carrying the famous name.
She cited the 2013 Kisumu gubernatorial race, where she said party officials persuaded her to step aside for former Governor Jack Ranguma because Raila was contesting the presidency at the time.
Ruth further accused some leaders within ODM of exploiting internal divisions for personal political gain, while maintaining that she remains committed to party unity.
“I am for one united ODM Party – exactly what Raila Odinga left behind,” she said.
The statement exposes simmering tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement as factions emerge over the future direction of the party following Raila Odinga’s political transition and the inclusion of some ODM leaders in President William Ruto’s government.
Mbadi has not publicly responded to Ruth Odinga’s remarks.
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