Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has defended the Odinga family’s political legacy following remarks made by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) retreat in Mombasa.

The exchange has drawn attention to emerging internal tensions within the party following discussions held on May 4, 2026.

Ruth Odinga, in a statement shared on Facebook, dated May 10, 2026, responded to comments attributed to Mbadi during the ODM retreat. Mbadi, who is the immediate former ODM chairman, is reported to have said that the party does not belong to any family and that Raila Odinga was ‘already dead and buried’. He, according to Ruth, further stated that he and others had invested heavily in the party.

Ruth Odinga said she was the only member of the Odinga family present at the retreat, noting that her brother and ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga did not attend the meeting. She described Mbadi’s remarks as directed at the Odinga family and the legacy associated with the party’s formation and growth.

She stated, “The Odinga history is littered with sacrifices, not entitlements,” while rejecting claims of political entitlement linked to the family name.

Account of political and personal history

Ruth Odinga detailed her personal experiences linked to political events surrounding the Odinga family. She recalled that after the 1982 abortive coup, she went into exile in Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Norway due to security concerns connected to the Odinga name.

She further stated that returning to Kenya required special arrangements due to scrutiny at border points. Ruth also said that when Raila Odinga was released from detention in 1991, he travelled to Norway, where she was in exile at the time.

On her political career, she said she had previously stepped aside from higher political ambitions to avoid affecting Raila Odinga’s presidential campaigns. She noted that in 2013 she accepted a deputy governor position and in 2022 chose to contest party primaries instead of receiving a direct nomination.

Raila’s legacy and ODM unity debate

Ruth Odinga referenced remarks made during a burial ceremony in Seme Sub-county on May 2, 2026, where she called for unity within ODM. She stated she aligned with what she termed the ideological path associated with Raila Odinga.

She urged party leaders, including clergy and senior political figures, to support reconciliation efforts within ODM. She also called for structured engagement to address internal divisions and strengthen cohesion ahead of future elections.

The statement highlighted ongoing discussions within ODM regarding leadership, legacy, and party direction following Raila Odinga’s exit from active politics. Ruth Odinga maintained that the party’s foundation and ideological direction were built through historical political struggles and continued engagement by its supporters.