Speaking during a women’s leaders’ convention in Migori, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga said it was too early for ODM members to declare support for Ruto’s re-election.
She reminded her colleagues that such decisions can only be made by the party leader, Raila Odinga, and through official party structures.
“As things stand, we cannot join the two-term chorus. That decision rests with our Party Leader, the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, when the time comes,” Ruth said as the audience applauded.
Her remarks came only days after Raila himself dismissed speculation that ODM was warming up to backing Ruto.
The opposition chief told MPs that ODM will have its own candidate in 2027 and no one should speak for the party outside its structures.
Ruth’s warning is part of the wider debate in ODM about the party’s direction. Recently, she openly criticized Nairobi MCAs for dropping an impeachment motion against Governor Johnson Sakaja after a truce was brokered between Raila and Ruto.
According to her, abandoning the process midway weakened accountability and confused ODM supporters about the party’s role in government.
Observers say ODM is trying to balance two positions: showing loyalty to Raila while also keeping doors open for possible cooperation with Ruto’s government.
For decades, Raila has been the loudest voice against government excesses.
But his recent talks with Ruto and involvement in peace deals have left many supporters wondering whether ODM is still in opposition or moving closer to State House.
The Migori event, attended by women leaders from Luo Nyanza, focused on social issues such as teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and HIV awareness.
But politics dominated the conversations, with Ruth linking women’s empowerment to the larger need for ODM to protect its political identity.
“The future of ODM will be decided by our party leader and through the right channels, not through press conferences or rallies,” Ruth affirmed.
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