NAIROBI, Kenya- Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga used her Christmas message to reflect on the legacy of her late brother, Raila Odinga, and signal her potential role in ODM’s future, including the 2027 presidential race.
Speaking after a Christmas service at St. Peter’s Nyamira ACK Church — the family’s traditional place of worship — Odinga described the day as emotional, noting the absence of her brother.
“There was an unmarked seat whose occupant was missing,” she said, capturing the mood among congregants.
Odinga paid tribute to Raila’s role in shaping ODM into a national party, emphasizing that the movement is bigger than any one individual.
“This is not a Nyanza or Luo party. We have representation in nearly every corner of Kenya,” she said, pointing to the party’s five Cabinet secretaries, only two of whom are Luo, as evidence of its national outlook.
Turning to the future, Odinga urged ODM members to uphold Raila’s legacy and strengthen the party.
“ODM is a big party, and it is upon us to make it bigger than what Raila left,” she said.
She then left the door open for herself in the 2027 race.
“If you don’t find someone suitable within ODM to go for the top seat in 2027, talk to me. I am here,” Odinga said, a statement likely to stir political speculation ahead of the elections.
The Christmas service was attended by several prominent figures, including Mama Ida Oginga, mother of the late Oginga Odinga, and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi was also present, alongside other leaders and party members from across the region.
