Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga has opened up about the tense experience she encountered during the ODM party retreat held in Mombasa on May 3, accusing Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of targeting her during the meeting.
Taking to her social media on Sunday, May 10, the Kisumu Woman Representative claimed Mbadi criticised the perceived influence of the Odinga family within ODM, arguing that the party should not be viewed as a family-owned outfit despite being founded by the late Raila Odinga.
Ruth said she interpreted the remarks as a direct attack on her because she was the only member of the Odinga family present at the retreat.
Ruth Odinga narrates a tense ordeal during the ODM Party meeting in Mombasa. Photo: Courtesy.
She further claimed CS Mbadi suggested that some leaders within the party had heavily invested in ODM and therefore had a major stake in its direction and future.
The lawmaker expressed disappointment over the remarks, saying the incident created an uncomfortable atmosphere during the party gathering.
“I was surprised that when Treasury CS, and immediate former ODM Chairman John Mbadi rose to speak, he chose to attack me, as an Odinga. He said ODM Party does not belong to the Odingas. That it is not a family property and therefore nobody should feel entitled because they carry the Odinga name. He stated further that Raila Odinga was already dead and buried, and even if he was to be alive, he wouldn’t do much because he (Mbadi) and others have heavily invested in the ODM Party,” she noted.
Ruth criticised the Treasury CS for what she termed as unnecessary attacks, dismissing claims that she was using the Odinga name to influence or destabilise ODM.
The Kisumu Woman Representative maintained that she is not aligned to any faction within ODM, even as Mbadi is perceived to be among leaders supporting President Ruto’s re-election bid.
Ruth argued that leadership and political support cannot be forced through intimidation or government influence, insisting that followers of the late Raila Odinga still believe in his ideals and must be won over genuinely.
She vowed to continue advocating for unity within ODM and said she would not be intimidated into silence or allow the Odinga name to be used as a target in internal party disputes.
