Ruth Odinga Says Nothing Stops Her From Contesting for Presidency in 2027

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, sister to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has declared that she has the capability to run for the presidency in 2027 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, November 12, Ruth expressed confidence in challenging President William Ruto in the next general elections.

“Some have already declared interest in running for the Kisumu Governorship in 2027. I invite them to join me in this pursuit to ensure we go beyond the traditional strongholds of the ODM party,” she said.

She further added:

“And nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes to run for the country’s top political seat.”

Despite her presidential ambitions, Ruth emphasized that her priority remains stabilizing the ODM party before fully embarking on her political journey.

Internal Party Divisions

During the interview, Ruth criticized some ODM members, including Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, accusing them of promoting division within the party. She particularly condemned the use of the controversial ‘orphan’ tag, describing it as politically unethical and inappropriate for the Luo community.

“This is not the first time we have lost a leader as a community. When a leader goes down, we expect another one to rise, not recoiling to an orphans' corner,” Ruth remarked.

On the United Opposition

Ruth also commented on the united opposition coalition led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, downplaying its dominance. She reiterated that ODM remains part of the broad-based government until the next general elections.

She further speculated on the possibility of Kalonzo joining President Ruto’s camp, which could leave Gachagua and Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i competing for the opposition flag-bearer seat.

 “You must allow me to reiterate that we as a community are in the broad-based government until 2027, when we will choose which team to work with, as directed by the people,” she said.