Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga, has stepped into the growing leadership tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), urging party leaders to follow constitutional structures as internal disagreements intensify.
Speaking amid rising calls for an early National Delegates Conference (NDC), Ruth firmly rejected the push, saying ODM must respect its established organs and decision-making process.
Her remarks place her at odds with a faction led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, which has been lobbying for the NDC to be convened sooner than scheduled.
Ruth emphasised that ODM’s strength lies in the supremacy of its members and the orderly functioning of its institutions. She argued that rushing into an NDC without exhausting internal processes risks weakening party unity and discipline.
Courtesy File/Screen grab photo/Tuko.
In a direct appeal, Ruth called on ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
According to her, the NEC is the next critical step in guiding the party forward.
She explained that ODM’s policy and strategic discussions begin at the Central Management Committee (CMC), which then forwards proposals to the NEC for implementation and supervision of daily party affairs.
Ruth outlined the party’s decision-making chain, noting that resolutions should move from the CMC to the NEC, then to the National Governing Council (NGC), before finally reaching the NDC, the party’s highest organ.
She revealed that recent CMC discussions focused on preparations for the 2027 general election and possible cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), underscoring the need for structured engagement rather than public wrangles.
Ruth cautioned ODM members against informal power struggles, calling for unity and internal discipline. She said only structured dialogue through official party organs can help ODM remain resilient, focused, and credible ahead of the next election cycle.
Her intervention adds a new layer to ODM’s internal debate as the party navigates leadership questions, coalition politics, and succession battles ahead of 2027.