Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister, Ruth Odinga, has declared that she is ready to contest for the presidency under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday, November 12, the Kisumu Woman Representative expressed confidence in her ability to challenge President William Ruto at the ballot, saying she has what it takes to lead the country.
Ruth revealed that while she had earlier shown interest in vying for the Kisumu gubernatorial seat, her political ambitions have since grown, and she now believes nothing stands in her way of seeking the top seat.
“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. “And nothing stops me from contesting for the presidency. I have all it takes to run for the country’s top political seat.”
Even as she hinted at a presidential run, Ruth maintained that her immediate focus is on strengthening and uniting the ODM party, which she said must remain a formidable political force ahead of 2027.
She also took issue with a section of ODM legislators, among them Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, accusing them of creating rifts within the party and advancing the controversial “orphan” narrative following Raila Odinga’s exit from active politics.
Ruth dismissed the term as politically irresponsible, arguing that the Luo community has a long history of resilience and leadership renewal.
“This is not the first time we have lost a leader as a community. We have lost leaders before. When a leader goes down, we expect another one to rise, not recoiling to an orphans’ corner,” she said.
Ruth Odinga’s remarks are likely to stir fresh debate within ODM, which is currently re-evaluating its succession plan and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
