Oburu holds talks with Ruth Odinga amid fallout claims
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 5, 2026Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga paid a visit to her Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Oburu Odinga, amid claims of infighting.
In a statement posted on her social media pages on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Kisumu Woman Rep, who also doubles as the ODM Organising Secretary, stated that their discussions centred around party unity and cohesion and ways of pushing the party forward.
“Paid a courtesy call this afternoon to the office of ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga, accompanied by Hon. Catherine Omanyo. We had a meaningful discussion focused on strengthening unity and cohesion within the party and pushing forward with the common national goals that matter to all Kenyans,” she said.
She was in the company of the deputy secretary-general, Catherine Omanyo, who was recently elevated to the position following Edwin Sifuna’s ouster and who was later reinstated by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT).
Salah’s accusations
This also comes days after she was accused by Migori businessman Oketch Salah of disrespecting his elder brother, Oburu Odinga.
She later issued a rebuttal dismissing such claims, saying that when she calls for order in the ODM party, it should not be mistaken as her fighting her elder brother. She added that she has no reason to engage in any conflict.
She defended her position, asking how calling for a ceasefire between the party’s factions, the Wantam and Tutam groups, and urging them to work together as a single voice could be considered disrespectful.
She added that including youth voices, who have become increasingly critical of several party issues, in decision-making should not be seen as undermining the Siaya senator.
“I have been accused of disrespecting our party leader, Dr Oburu Odinga. How does calling for ‘Wantam’ and ‘Tutam’ supporters to come together and work as a single voice amount to disrespect? As I have always said, we must ensure youth voices are included in party affairs across all leadership levels,” she explained.
Ruth denies attacking Oburu.
Ruth further clarified that her calls for order in ODM have been misinterpreted as opposition to her elder brother. She emphasised that she consults Oburu regularly on various issues and that expressing her views, something permissible in a democratic party like ODM, should not be mistaken for conflict.
“Oburu is the ODM party leader, and everyone in the party must respect that. I speak to him regularly as both the party leader and my elder brother on a range of issues. Yet some have created the idea that I am fighting him. I am an older woman; where would I find the energy to fight the youth leader?”
“Those claiming I am fighting Dr Oburu are the real enemies of ODM. I always speak my mind because ODM is a democratic party; it doesn’t mean I am fighting anyone,” she said.