Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has launched a scathing attack on the process used to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, terming it “flawed, undemocratic and inconsistent” with the values of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking on KTN News Prime Time last evening, Ruth questioned the internal mechanisms deployed to oust Sifuna, arguing that the party failed to uphold its own constitution and dispute resolution structures.
“A party that champions democracy and freedom of expression cannot afford to ignore due process,” she said, warning that bypassing internal legal frameworks could have long-term political consequences.
“Due Process Was Ignored”
Ruth insisted that proper party procedures and dispute mechanisms were not followed before Sifuna’s removal. She cautioned that such actions risk eroding trust within ODM ranks and alienating members who expect fairness and transparency.
According to her, the decision to push Sifuna out without exhausting established party channels sets a dangerous precedent that could divide the party ahead of the high-stakes 2027 political season.
“The move to oust him will be regrettable,” she declared, suggesting that ODM must remain anchored on the democratic ideals that have defined its identity over the years.
Rejects 2027 ‘Handshake Politics’
The Kisumu Woman Rep. also dismissed growing calls for ODM to skip fielding a presidential candidate in 2027 in favor of backing the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Without naming specific proponents, Ruth warned that entering into a premature political pact would undermine ODM’s ideological foundation.
She stressed that key issues — including the implementation of the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and resolutions contained in the NADCO report — must first be addressed before any coalition discussions.
“ODM is strong enough to go independent,” she asserted, signaling resistance to any arrangement that would subordinate the party’s autonomy before resolving fundamental governance concerns.
Distances ODM from Oketch Salah
In a pointed political clarification, Ruth firmly disowned political activist Oketch Salah, stating that he holds no position within ODM.
She distanced both the party and the Odinga family from his recent political activities, making it clear that his actions should not be construed as representing ODM’s official position.
Her remarks come at a time when internal tensions within ODM appear to be simmering, even as the opposition navigates realignments and strategic calculations ahead of the next general election.
With her latest statements, Ruth Odinga has placed herself firmly in defense of internal democracy, party independence, and ideological clarity — themes likely to shape ODM’s trajectory as 2027 politics gradually takes center stage.
