Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is centred around one individual or family, insisting that the party is a broad democratic movement founded on the struggle for people’s rights and political reforms.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Ruth said ODM’s history stretches far beyond its current leadership and cannot be reduced to a personality cult.

“ODM is not a personality-driven party. Long before we even got ODM, there were other political formations. ODM is actually a very recent party. Sometimes I find it difficult to even call ODM a party because ODM is a movement,” she said.

Her remarks come amid an ongoing public disagreement with Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over the future direction of the party following the political exit of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Ruth traced the roots of the movement to the days of Ford Kenya and the National Development Party (NDP), which Raila Odinga formed after breaking away from Ford Kenya.

“Remember there was Ford Kenya, and later there were splits. Raila came out and formed the National Democratic Party (NDP). Many people who are now in politics do not fully understand where ODM came from,” the Women Rep said.

According to Ruth, the party’s identity emerged from a broader pro-democracy struggle rather than from any one political figure.

“The Orange Democratic Movement came from what we called the Orange Movement. It came because of suppression and the need to defend democratic principles. It was a movement that wanted the voice of the people to be heard,” she explained.

She argued that the party’s foundation remains rooted in advancing the interests of ordinary Kenyans and promoting democratic participation.

“When you talk about ODM being a personality-driven party, I disagree because what attracted people to the movement was the fact that it looked after the interests and wishes of the people,” she said.

ODM movement

Ruth also pointed to the party’s role during the 2005 constitutional referendum campaign, where the Orange Movement emerged as a major political force.

“Look at how we went about the Banana and Orange campaigns. At that time, we had many leaders working together. President William Ruto, Najib Balala and myself were among those involved in driving the Orange agenda,” she recalled.

Her latest comments follow recent tensions between her and Mbadi, who has called for ODM members to prepare for a post-Raila political era and argued that the party currently lacks a clear presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.

In early May 2026, Ruth accused Mbadi of attacking the Odinga family during an ODM retreat in Mombasa. She claimed the Treasury CS questioned the family’s influence within the party and suggested ODM should move away from perceived dependence on the Odinga name.

She rejected suggestions that members of the Odinga family have enjoyed political privilege within the party. She previously stated that she had sacrificed personal political ambitions to protect Raila Odinga’s presidential bids.

“Being an Odinga has meant that you have to work extra hard,” she said in an earlier statement, citing the 2013 Kisumu gubernatorial race where she claimed party officials discouraged her candidacy because her brother was contesting for the presidency.

Mbadi has since denied attacking the family, accusing Ruth of misrepresenting comments he made during the closed-door retreat. He has maintained that his remarks were intended to encourage honest introspection about ODM’s future.

“This party does not belong to one community. ODM does not belong to the Luo community. It does not belong to a family,” Mbadi said after the retreat.