Ruth Odinga calls for urgent ODM unity talks to avoid party collapse
By Mustafa Juma, May 2, 2026Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has called for urgent reconciliation within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, warning that ongoing internal divisions could weaken its political strength ahead of future elections.
Speaking on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Ridore village, Seme Sub-county, in Kisumu County, during the burial of Mzee Nyikal Okaka, the father of Seme Member of Parliament (MP) James Nyikal, Ruth dismissed the emerging “Wantam” and “Tutam” camps within ODM, instead positioning herself firmly in what she described as the ideological path of her late brother Raila Odinga.
“We have been told not to say wantam or tutam, but I want to make it clear that for me, I am not in either wantam or tutam. I am in what we call Tam Raila Amollo Odinga,” she said.
Push for unity within ODM
Ruth urged party members and leaders to rise above factional politics and work towards rebuilding a united ODM, emphasising the need to preserve Raila Odinga’s political legacy.
“Raila Odinga led us with a legacy, and if we want to be good people, we should come together, the wantamers and tutamers. We must build one ODM,” she stated.
Her remarks come at a time when the party has been grappling with internal disagreements, with different camps jostling for influence over its direction.
Clergy, elders urged to mediate
In a notable appeal, Ruth called on religious leaders and senior party figures to step in and facilitate dialogue among rival factions.
She specifically urged Bishop Godia to convene a mediation process involving key ODM figures, including Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga.
“We must build one ODM, and it is a high time for Bishop Godia here, and I talk to you on behalf of the clergy: please call our senior politicians here; call Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, call Governor Orengo, and call Oburu. Call all these people and sit them down, and see how you can bring them together. Create a mediation team that can support this process,” she said.
Ruth also called on ODM trustees, including Amos Wako, to take a more active role in resolving the standoff.
“I want to appeal to our trustees like Amos Wako. Don’t sit on the fence. Come out, sit together with this clergy, and let us see how we can bring back this party,” she urged.
Warning over factional politics
Ruth further cautioned that continued infighting could cost ODM politically, warning that the party risks weakening its bargaining power if divisions persist.
She also defended her engagement with leaders across factions, saying dialogue should not be misconstrued as political betrayal.
Ruth went ahead to call for unity between allied formations within the party’s orbit, including Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi movements, saying fragmentation would ultimately hurt their political prospects.
“We cannot go anywhere with these two factions. That is the truth of the matter. Don’t castigate me when you see me speak to Orengo, because I also speak to Wanga. You cannot castigate us because we just want our people to come together. What is wrong? Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi should come together; otherwise, we are going to lose. There is no negotiation table we will go to when we are not a united ODM,” she said.