Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has said she is prepared to leave the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if remaining in the party means compromising her commitment to justice, democracy and the rights of Kenyans.
Ruth said her loyalty was to the principles her late brother, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, championed throughout his political career, rather than to any political party.
“If standing with ODM means sacrificing everything to protect justice, then so be it. If I have to move to another party to ensure that justice prevails in Kenya, I will do so,” she said.
She was speaking on Thursday at Migwena Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County, during a commemoration marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
Ruth said Raila had fought for a country where every Kenyan could exercise their rights, speak freely and be heard without fear of intimidation.
“He stood for the rights of the people, democracy and social justice in this country. He believed that every Kenyan had the right to speak and be heard,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to protect the democratic freedoms Raila had campaigned for, saying his legacy should not be sacrificed to preserve party interests.
Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, spent decades in opposition politics and endured detention and imprisonment during his struggle for political change.
He also remained engaged in politics despite failing to win the presidency in three elections.
Ruth said his commitment to peaceful political engagement and the rights of ordinary Kenyans should guide the country’s political future.
Her remarks came against a backdrop of tension at the commemoration, where rival youth groups clashed.
She said those who had expected the event to be disrupted had been proved wrong by the turnout and conduct of mourners.
“Those who thought this function would not go on have been ashamed. Those who came here carrying stones, thinking that this function would not take place, have also been ashamed,” she said.
She praised the thousands who attended the gathering to honour her brother, saying they had demonstrated respect for his memory despite the political tensions.
Raila’s legacy remains closely associated with the struggle for multiparty democracy, civil liberties and social justice in Kenya.
Ruth said defending those principles mattered more than maintaining allegiance to a party.
“My commitment is not merely to a political party but to the fight for justice, democracy and the rights of every Kenyan,” she said.
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