Amid escalating internal tensions in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of its founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has issued a forceful call for discipline, urging the party to adhere strictly to its constitution to heal deepening divisions.
In a strongly worded statement, the ODM Deputy Organizing Secretary rejected demands for an immediate National Delegates Conference (NDC), insisting on a step-by-step process through the party’s organs to ensure legitimacy and member supremacy – a core ODM value.
“The journey forward must be guided by the very rules we set for ourselves,” Ruth declared, emphasizing that informal wrangles must give way to formal, structured engagement.
Her intervention comes hot on the heels of a contentious Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting held in the coastal serenity of Vipingo, Kilifi County, earlier this month. Chaired by party leader Dr Oburu Oginga, the “engine room” of ODM policy formulation endorsed exploratory talks with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election. The committee also defended ongoing cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration while stressing the need for party unity amid reports of boycotts and factional rifts.
Yet Ruth cautioned against haste, pointing out that the CMC’s recommendations must first be tabled before the National Executive Committee (NEC). She placed the onus squarely on National Chairperson, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, to invoke Article 6.3.3(vii) of the party constitution and convene the NEC without delay.
“The NEC is the executive organ responsible for carrying out decisions of higher bodies and supervising daily operations,” she explained. This meeting, she added, would serve as the crucial gateway to broader democratic deliberations.
From there, the process would advance to the National Governing Council (NGC), the party’s second-highest organ, tasked with monitoring and directing recommendations nationwide. Only then, Ruth argued, should the party proceed to the NDC – the supreme organ empowered to review the manifesto, ratify laws, and even nominate a presidential candidate.
“It is at the NDC where every member’s voice is truly heard and final policy determined,” she stressed, dispelling what she called “misinformation” about skipping steps.
With factions clashing over the party’s direction – from coalition prospects with the government to leadership renewal – Ruth’s roadmap offers a blueprint for resilience. “Let us follow the constitution to the letter: from NEC to NGC, and finally to NDC. This is the surest way to build a united, focused ODM.”
Her rallying cry? “Mbele Pamoja!” – Forward Together.
As grassroots leaders intensify calls for an early NDC and regional mobilizations gain momentum, Ruth Odinga’s insistence on constitutional fidelity could prove pivotal in steering ODM through its most turbulent chapter yet.
