Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has declared that she is ready to face President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections should her party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), settle on her as its presidential flag bearer. Her remarks have injected fresh momentum into early succession politics as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next polls.
Ruth Odinga made the declaration while speaking during a Christmas Day church service held at St Peter’s Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Nyamira County. Addressing congregants and ODM supporters who had gathered for the festive service, she said she was open and prepared to step forward if the party fails to identify another suitable candidate to challenge President Ruto.
She told the congregation that ODM remains a strong national party capable of producing leadership that can form the next government. Ruth added that leadership should not be restricted by fear or tradition, noting that she was willing to offer herself if called upon by the party and its supporters.
Her statement was met with applause from sections of the congregation, signaling growing curiosity about her political ambitions beyond parliamentary leadership.
Ruth Odinga is a veteran politician and a long-time member of ODM. She is currently serving her second term as the Woman Representative for Kisumu County in the National Assembly. She previously served as the Deputy Governor of Kisumu County and has been involved in grassroots mobilization and party organization for decades. She is also the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was ODM’s longtime party leader and a dominant figure in Kenya’s opposition politics.
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Her comments come at a time when ODM is undergoing internal reflection following Raila Odinga’s death, with party members and supporters debating its future political direction. Some leaders have supported cooperation with President Ruto’s government, while others argue that the party should fully reposition itself as an opposition force ahead of 2027. Ruth Odinga’s statement appears to align with voices pushing for ODM to field its own presidential candidate rather than support an external alliance.
Reactions to her declaration have been mixed. Supporters view her move as a bold signal that ODM is ready to transition into a new era of leadership and offer Kenyans an alternative vision of governance. Critics, however, argue that it is too early to discuss presidential candidacies and caution that such statements could deepen divisions within the party if not carefully managed.
Political observers say Ruth Odinga’s readiness to contest the presidency highlights shifting dynamics within ODM and reflects growing pressure on the party to define its identity in the post-Raila era. As the 2027 general election slowly comes into focus, her remarks are expected to fuel debate both within ODM and across the wider political landscape about who is best placed to challenge President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
