Ruth Odinga declares interest in 2027 presidency after Raila’s death
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 12, 2025Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has hinted at her intentions to vie for the top seat in 2027.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page, the woman representative expressed her willingness to attempt what her late brother Raila Odinga unsuccessfully contested five times since 1997, losing each attempt except in 2002, when he chose to support the late Mwai Kibaki.
Ruth Odinga stated that nothing would stop her from contesting for the top seat.
This comes at a time when the region is divided, with some vowing to stick with the broad-based government, saying it is where the late ODM leader left them, while others argue that Raila advised against it.
These remarks come just days after her elder brother, Oburu Odinga, who also doubles as the newly installed party leader, stated that the party will settle for nothing less than a deputy president position if it is to enter into a coalition agreement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“Nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency in 2027,” Ruth said.
Earlier Senator Moses Kajwang’ disclosed that ODM will not endorse Ruto’s 2027 re-election.
Call for unity in ODM
During the burial of Raila Odinga, Ruth issued a strong warning against attempts to sow division within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), emphasising that the party belongs to all its members and must remain united.
Ruth urged ODM members to resist internal wrangles and instead safeguard the unity and strength of the party that her late brother dedicated his life to building.
She stressed that ODM must remain one cohesive movement, warning against the emergence of rival factions seeking to control the party.
According to Ruth, the unity of ODM is not only essential for its survival but also for the continuation of Raila Odinga’s legacy of democracy, justice, and national cohesion.
Ruth reiterated that ODM must be strong and united, insisting that there cannot be one ODM led by some individuals, another by others, and yet another left to a few people.
She reminded those now seeking to take charge of the party that they were not there when it was founded, urging them to respect its history and the sacrifices made by its pioneers.