- Ruth Odinga described the sadness that hit the church on Christmas day following the absence of Raila Odinga for the first time
- He criticized the destruction of Raila’s reputation on social media and urged respect for his contribution to ODM and the development of the country
- Ruth also showed that he is ready to run for the presidency in 2027 and prove the strength and unity of ODM
Kisumu women’s representative, Ruth Odinga, has paid emotional tribute to her late brother, the former prime minister Raila Odingaalmost two months after his death.
Source: Facebook
The Odinga family gathered at St. Peter’s Nyamira ACK, where they usually celebrate Christmas, but this year’s service was different in the absence of Raila.
Raila, a prominent politician and former leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), died on October 15 in Kerala, India, while recovering from a short illness.
His death left a void in the party and the nation, as his former followers witnessed their first Christmas without him.
“Raila’s absence was evident. It was felt in the air. Maybe it was spoken in a small voice in the church seats. But for the Nyamira church community, there was a seat without an owner that lacked the one who sat,” he said.
How did Ruth Odinga remember Raila Odinga?
During the service, Ruth reflected on Raila’s role in shaping ODM into a national political movement.
He noted that the party’s representation in the Cabinet reflects Raila’s vision, where five Cabinet ministers were elected from different parts of the country, and only two of them were Luo.
He lamented that despite Raila’s legacy, some people have been tarnishing his name on social media just two months after his burial.
“It is unfortunate that just a few months after burying Rt. Hon. Raila, some characters are busy destroying his reputation—and the respect he worked hard to build over the years—on social media. Shame on you!” Ruth warned.
Source: Facebook
Will Ruth run for president in 2027?
Ruth also used the opportunity to confirm that he is ready to run for the presidency in 2027, announcing that ODM is strong enough to present a candidate for the top seat.
He urged the members of the party to remain committed to strengthening ODM beyond what was left by Raila, adding that if no suitable candidate is found, he is ready to face the President William Ruto in the next election.
“For the ODM family, if you do not find a suitable person within the ranks of ODM to compete for the top seat in 2027, talk to me. I am here. I am ready to face Ruto in 2027. This is a possibility,” he added.
His words come as tension continues to rise within ODM, where some leaders are reported to be aligning themselves with the president before the 2027 general election.
However, Ruth, along with her grandson Winnie Odinga and other loyal followers, have promised to maintain the foundations of the party.
There are also claims that some local people they are trying to sell the partywhich increases divisions within the movement.
Did Opiyo Wandayi visit Raila’s grave?
Meanwhile, some leaders have continued to come to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi to pay their last respects to Raila.
Minister Opiyo Wandayi was accompanied by some ODM leaders to the grave to honor Raila and pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Wandayi is one of the ODM experts in the government who have been encouraging Raila’s supporters to support Ruto before the next general election.
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