NAIROBI, Kenya – Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly questioned the source of millions of shillings being spent on ODM party events.
Her comments come amid ongoing tensions within ODM, particularly involving party Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and a group of legislators labeled as “rebels.”
The friction is rooted in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025 between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking in a Citizen TV interview, Sifuna raised eyebrows by questioning how the party’s high-cost rallies—including choppers, large tents, and branded t-shirts and caps—are financed, despite the party claiming it has not directly spent any money on these campaigns.
Ruth Odinga echoed these concerns, asking whether governors, MPs, or unknown philanthropists are footing the bill for these expensive public events.
“The money flying in choppers, used to procure big tents and mobilize crowds, yet not reflected in ODM’s bank accounts, points to control issues,” Odinga said.
She cited Sifuna’s claim that the government owes ODM a staggering Sh12 billion, which could legally be released but would reduce outside influence over party events.
Odinga also questioned the handling of dissent within the party, citing examples such as Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo being booed at a Kisumu rally for deviating from the official narrative.
She warned that muzzling voices like Sifuna’s could undermine the party’s credibility, especially as the MoU approaches its March 7 expiry.
She added, “If the MoU has not been honored, what is so treasonous in declaring it dead? The responsibility ultimately rests with the bearer of the MoU’s signature—President William Ruto.”
