Ruth Odinga Declares Readiness to Run for Presidency in 2027 under ODM
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has signalled her readiness to contest for Kenya’s presidency in 2027 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, declaring that she has the credentials to challenge President William Ruto.
Speaking on Wednesday in an interview, Odinga said her initial interest in vying for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat would not limit her ambitions. “Some have already declared interest in running for the Kisumu Governorship in 2027. I invite them to join me in this pursuit to ensure we go beyond the traditional strongholds of the ODM party,” she said.
She added, “And nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes to run for the country’s top political seat.”
Despite her political ambitions, Odinga said her priority is stabilising ODM. She criticised party members, notably Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, for allegedly sowing division by promoting the controversial “orphan” tag following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“This is not the first time we have lost a leader as a community. When a leader goes down, we expect another one to rise, not recoiling to an orphans’ corner,” she said, dismissing the label as politically unethical.
Odinga also weighed in on Kenya’s united opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. She downplayed the opposition’s strength and reaffirmed that ODM remains part of the broad-based government until the 2027 elections. However, she speculated that Kalonzo could align with President Ruto, leaving Gachagua and Jubilee’s Fred Matiang’i to compete for the opposition flag-bearer post.
“You must allow me to reiterate that we as a community are in the broad-based government until 2027, when we will choose which team to work with, as directed by the people,” Odinga said.
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Ruth Odinga Declares Readiness to Run for Presidency in 2027 under ODM