William Ruto Requests The Current ODM Leadership To Strengthen The Party: “Don’t Get Into Arguments”

President William Ruto spoke about the internal conflicts in ODM, urging ODM leaders to maintain the unity of the party
Speaking at the ODM Founders’ Dinner in Mombasa, Ruto praised the party’s national stature and its role in building Kenya’s democracy, citing Raila Odinga as his success.
Ruto emphasized that strong political parties are important for a strong democratic nation, citing ODM as an example for others

President William Ruto has called for unity within ODM, warning that growing divisions threaten the party’s legacy two decades after its inception.

President William Ruto with ODM leader Oburu Oginga at the party’s anniversary event in Nairobi. Photo: ODM party.
Source: Facebook

Ruto attended the ODM Founders Dinner on Saturday evening, 15 November, at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel and Spa.

What Ruto told ODM in Mombasa

The event, which brought together veteran politicians who were the founders of the Orange party, marked the culmination of the three-year anniversary celebrations of ODM@20 which started on November 13.

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The President paid tribute to the sacrifices of the deceased Raila Odinga for the party, warning that the current internal divisions are jeopardizing his vision of ODM as a national political force with a nationwide presence.

Ruto urged the current leadership to protect the unity of the party and preserve Raila’s legacy.

“People who are now in charge of the management of this party, please, I beg you not to weaken the spirit of ODM, do not allow this party to enter into arguments or divide the party. This party must be strong. If not for anything else, for the sake of Mr. Raila Odinga and his legacy,” the president said.

How ODM created Kenya’s democracy

The President emphasized that parties like ODM are the pillars of Kenya’s democracy, and that internal disputes undermine the purpose for which the movement was founded.

Ruto acknowledged ODM as a powerful political institution that has inspired emerging parties such as UDA his, adding that a strong democracy is built on those parties.

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William Ruto/Oburu Oginga. — President William Ruto with ODM leader Oburu Oginga during the ODM party’s anniversary celebrations in Mombasa. Photo: ODM party.
Source: Facebook

The President expressed his good intentions in creating enabling political parties to flourish and stimulate democracy for the prosperity of the country.

“I say this, as a leader of a different party, but I strongly believe that parties are the basis of any democracy. If we do not have strong parties, we cannot have a strong democratic nation, and therefore, it is important, and that is why I have come here to celebrate ODM as a strong party, not a briefcase bag or a regional party, but a national party.

That is where the nation should go, with strong political parties. Celebrating ODM as a strong national party encourages others like UDA to also become strong national parties, and that is how we will have a strong democracy,” the president said.

Ruto’s comments came at a time of sharp transition in ODM as members differed on the direction the party should take.

Member of Parliament for EALA Winnie Odinga he seemed to shake the leadership of the party when he seemed to want reforms.

What does Winnie Odinga want in ODM?

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During the ODM@20 celebrations in Mombasa, Winnie explained that her late father, Raila, had the unique leadership qualities needed to lead ODM and maintain its strategic alliance with the Ruto government.

He claimed that no current person is up to his standard and urged the party to convene a National Delegates Conference (NDC) to formally approve the new leadership through a consensus of members.

Reacting quickly, Oburu disputed Winnie’s remarks, affirming his willingness to carry on Raila’s political legacy.

He emphasized his long involvement in Raila’s political journey, noting that he was always there and well versed in his brother’s strategies, including his last big involvement, the broad government.

As Raila’s elder brother, Oburu said he was often in a position to provide guidance when needed, and despite their age difference, he always respected Raila’s status in national politics.

Seemingly unsettled by Winnie’s comments, Oburu shared that he intended to speak to her privately to address his concerns.

However, he promised to lead ODM with the same level of realism and strength that characterized Raila’s tenure for the 20 years he led the party.