Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has disputed Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga’s account of remarks made during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) retreat held in Mombasa on May 4, 2026.

The exchange has highlighted renewed tensions within the party following differing interpretations of the closed-door discussions.

In a post on X and a video shared on May 10, 2026, Mbadi, the immediate former ODM chairman, said Ruth Odinga had misrepresented his remarks from the retreat.

He stated that the meeting was intended for internal reflection and should have remained private.

“I’m therefore surprised to see my sister Ruth Adhiambo Odinga distort my speech, something which could have entirely remained in-house,” Mbadi said in his statement. He added that the retreat provided a space for candid discussion and introspection among party leaders.

The video accompanied his clarification, where he maintained that his comments reflected internal party realities and were not intended for public interpretation outside the forum.

Content of ODM retreat remarks

In the recorded remarks, Mbadi addressed internal dynamics within ODM following the political transition after former party leader Raila Odinga. He cautioned against internal divisions and referenced members who, in his words, were undecided on the party’s direction.

Mbadi emphasised that ODM was a national party not owned by any community or family. “This party does not belong to one community… It does not belong to Siaya… It does not belong to a family,” he stated.

He highlighted the party’s national reach, citing support from regions including Turkana and Northeastern Kenya. Mbadi also referenced his political history across various parties before joining ODM, noting the importance of unity and organisational stability.

He affirmed support for the current party leadership and stated his readiness to serve in any assigned role within the party structure.

Ruth Odinga’s earlier statement

The dispute follows a detailed Facebook post by Ruth Odinga on May 10, 2026, where she defended the Odinga family’s political legacy and responded to Mbadi’s remarks from the retreat. She said she was the only member of the Odinga family present at the Mombasa meeting, noting the absence of party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga.

Ruth Odinga said Mbadi’s comments were directed at the Odinga name and history within the party. She stated, “The Odinga history is littered with sacrifices, not entitlements,” while recounting her family’s political struggles, including exile following the 1982 coup attempt.

She also highlighted her political journey, including stepping aside from elective ambitions to support Raila Odinga’s presidential bids and participating in various political roles over the years.

Party context and internal dynamics

The exchange has drawn attention to ongoing discussions within ODM regarding leadership transition and internal cohesion following changes in party leadership. Ruth Odinga had earlier, on May 2, 2026, called for unity within the party during a burial ceremony in Seme Sub-county.