Ruth Odinga has opened up about the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s leadership, revealing that some people around him used his kindness and generosity for their own political gain.
She explained that many politicians took advantage of Raila’s trusting nature to mislead the public into believing they had been personally endorsed by him, even when that was not the case.
In her view, Raila’s caring personality made him vulnerable to manipulation, as he often avoided confrontation to prevent others from feeling hurt or sidelined.
During an interview with a local media station, Ruth noted that Raila’s busy schedule, especially during his time as the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, left him little room to monitor political activities back home.
While he was engaged in continental duties, certain politicians allegedly exploited his absence to push their own agendas within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and beyond.
According to her, Raila’s silence in such cases should never have been mistaken for approval or endorsement.
She described Raila as a man who believed in inclusion and compassion, often prioritising unity over personal pride. However, this same openness allowed individuals with selfish motives to take control of certain political narratives, misleading both party members and the public.
Ruth urged ODM supporters to understand that not everyone who claimed to speak on Raila’s behalf truly represented his wishes or principles.
Her remarks come at a time when ODM and the Luo community are struggling to find direction following Raila’s death.
Conflicting opinions have emerged over his supposed final wishes regarding the future of the party and its political alliances.
One group believes Raila wanted ODM to remain part of the broad-based government and consider working with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
The opposing camp insists that Raila’s ultimate goal was for ODM to maintain its independence and field its own presidential candidate in the next polls.Ruth made it clear that she does not support the idea of ODM leaders openly backing Ruto while still within the coalition.
She emphasised that the broad-based government was meant to bring stability and cooperation in the short term, not to merge ODM’s identity with the ruling party.
According to her, the party must focus on strengthening its structures and preparing for the next election rather than losing its voice to political convenience.
Following Raila’s passing, his elder brother and Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga has been appointed as the acting ODM party leader. Plans are already in motion to formalize his position as the official head of the party.
