- Kisumu women’s representative Ruth Odinga criticized ODM leaders for calling themselves “orphans” after the death of Raila Odinga
- He said that pretending to be weak is unproductive and urged the leaders to remain firm
- Ruth highlighted the strong history of the community, citing people like Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere as examples of perseverance
- He urged ODM members to maintain unity and focus on responsible leadership instead of seeking sympathy
Kisumu county female representative Ruth Odinga has criticized ODM party leaders who have called themselves “orphans” after the death of the party’s founder. Raila Odinga.
Source: Twitter
During an interview on Radio Nam Lolwe on Wednesday, November 12, he warned that such remarks risk undermining the stability and identity of the Luo community.
Why does Ruth disagree with the ‘orphan’ narrative?
His remarks come after Alego-Usonga MP Sam Atandi, Nyando’s Jared Okello and Uriri’s Mark Nyamita, who claimed that Raila’s death left them politically vulnerable.
The MPs suggested that without the veteran leader of the opposition, they should take a humble position in their talks with the President William Rutosuggesting that assertiveness can lead them into “unknown political territories.”
Ruth, a senior ODM figure and sister of the late Raila, expressed her disagreement with the sentiments of the MPs.
The MP admitted that every leader has the right to express his opinion, but using the “orphan” label as a tool to seek sympathy was an inappropriate and counterproductive way.
“Every leader has the right to express his opinion. ODM is a party founded on the basis of democracy and we must encourage the members of parliament elected by other members to always say what they think. But I must disagree with my colleagues, whether they were speaking as Waluo, whose leader left, or as ODM members whose ‘father’, Baba, left on the same day,” he said.
He asked the community to have historical stability, pointing to famous people like Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere, to emphasize the expectation of strength and endurance.
Ruth explained that the full strength of the community is respected and no one should be proud to call themselves an orphan.
“I have never seen a Mluo who proudly calls himself an orphan and only expects mercy. Even during Gor Mahia and Lwanda Magere, we were known as fighters. A Mluo is a strong and strong person. We are known to stand up and defend what is good and judge what is bad,” The MP said.
He further warned that using the “orphan” narrative could show weakness rather than leadership.
What advice did Ruth give ODM leaders?
The Member of Parliament, who has been vocal about ODM issues in recent weeks, warned that it is something the community cannot afford in the current political environment.
He explained that the community lost leaders in the past and others stepped up to take their place, urging the Luo-Nyanza not to feel sorry for themselves.
“But you cannot do that when you have decided to wave the ‘orphan’ card, showing great weakness. This is not the first time we have lost a leader as a society. We have lost leaders in the past. When a leader falls, we expect another to rise, without going back to the orphan’s corner,” he added.
The senior ODM member also opposed the formulation of a political strategy by MPs under the Ruto administration.
He argued that the Luo community must take a proactive stance instead of expecting their concerns to receive direct attention from the government.
Source: Facebook
Quoting a Luo phrase, Ruth signaled an inspiration for ODM leaders to maintain determination and solidarity during this time of transition.
“We are orphans, yes, it doesn’t matter how you see it. But we must move forward, so we must ask ourselves what will come next. The Luos have a saying that poverty in your brother’s home cannot make you lose sleep. If the Luos feel now that they are orphans, they must know that their situation will not make President William Ruto lose sleep. We must come out with a strong voice,” he urged.
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