Ruth Odinga defends self over Oburu claims, warns ODM factions

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Kisumu County Women Rep Ruth Odinga has dismissed claims circulating that she is disrespecting her brother and ODM Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga, even as she pushes for deep internal party unity.

On Monday, she told Kisumu Central ODM delegates and local executives at the Kisumu City ODM sub-county offices that internal rivalries, particularly between the Linda Ground and Linda Mwananchi factions, risk weakening the party’s bargaining power ahead of county elections this week and next year’s general election.

“Some people have created the notion that I am fighting Dr Oburu,” Ruth Odinga said. “I speak to him regularly as the Party Leader and as my elder brother. I am an old woman — where do I get the energy to fight a youth leader? Those claiming I am fighting Oburu are the real enemies of ODM.”

Critics have suggested the MP's calls for unity and youth inclusion imply a challenge to Dr Oburu’s leadership.

She rejected that interpretation, saying her priority is a united and strategic ODM, not personal confrontation.

She has also called for more youth representation in party leadership, arguing that a strong party must engage younger members actively.

Factions at the heart of the debate

• Linda Ground: grassroots organisers and local operatives mobilising independently
• Linda Mwananchi: community activists and populist engagement efforts

Ms Odinga said maintaining these separate structures dilutes ODM’s message and weakens its strategic positioning at a critical political moment.

ODM’s internal cohesion now directly affects:

• Coalition negotiations ahead of 2027
• Electoral mobilisation and campaigning
• Public perception of party discipline and leadership

If unresolved, factional divisions could reduce ODM’s leverage in future alliances and reshape Kenya’s political landscape.