- Ruth Odinga warned ODM against relaxing after UDA announced political expansion nationally towards the 2027 elections
- The Kisumu women’s representative called on ODM to be stronger and more assertive, warning against entering negotiations from a position of weakness.
- He referred to an old conversation with great weight, hinting at the kind of political pressure needed to gain influence
Kisumu Women’s Representative, Ruth Odingahas criticized the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) due to its drive to field candidates across the country.
Source: Twitter
Ruth encouraged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to prepare for political competition towards the 2027 General Election.
His statements come after the General Secretary of UDA, Hassan Omar, insisted that the ruling party is led by the President William Ruto plans to field candidates in every election, including areas considered ODM strongholds.
This is despite ongoing talks about a possible political arrangement before 2027 between the two parties.
How did Ruth Odinga respond to UDA’s suspension of Nyanza candidates?
Ruth spoke on Sunday, April 5, during a church service at Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Muhoroni, Kisumu county.
He was accompanied by several ODM leaders, including the National Chairman Gladys Wanga.
“Considering the recent statements of UDA General Secretary Hassan Omar, saying that the party will field candidates in every corner of this country, this should be a warning to everyone who cares about ODM. We must stand up as a party and protect our strongholds. We cannot relax, and we cannot expect to be taken seriously if all we do is praise others,” said Ruth.
The MP called on ODM to strengthen its structures and also to field candidates across the country, stressing that the party should not enter into negotiations from a position of weakness.
“My people, we must stand firm. As ODM, we must protect our areas and ensure the party is strong in every position. We will not spend our time praising others,” he added.
Ruth emphasized that ODM will not enter the negotiations as a junior partner, urging the leaders, especially from Kisumu, to remain united and oriented under the strong structure of the party.
What did Ruth Odinga say about the 2007 talks with Kibaki?
He also recalled the tense talks that followed the 2007–2008 post-election violence between Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki, saying pressure methods contributed to obtaining a political agreement.
“In such circumstances, what did we do? We told the people of Kibera to destroy the railway. That would push the other side to come back to the table and ask us to stop destroying the infrastructure, and that’s when an agreement was reached. When they offered ministerial positions, we stopped them. When they refused to give Raila the position of Prime Minister, the pressure would start again,” he said.
He warned that political talks are rarely friendly, saying ODM is in danger of losing if it approaches the talks too gently.
“There is no conflict where both parties enter smiling and expecting to get a fair result. ODM will not get a good agreement because it is too complacent,” he said.
Ruth also called on the party leadership to include radical voices in any negotiating team, including members who have strongly criticized President Ruto.
“I was part of the 2007 talks led by Kofi Annan. Without numbers, no one would take ODM seriously,” he said.
The MP urged the party leader to increase voter registration efforts, noting that despite ODM supporters attending meetings in large numbers, most of them do not register to vote.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
