Kisumu Women representative Ruth Odinga has raised an alarm over a secret sponsor allegedly pouring millions of shillings into ODM’s campaigns.
In a Facebook post, Ruth called for transparency, questioning who is funding the lavish ‘Linda Ground’ rallies, branded tents, and campaign events that have become a hallmark of the party’s public mobilization.
She warned that undisclosed funding could undermine party democracy and accountability, urging ODM leaders to clarify the sources of the funds before internal control and public trust are compromised.
Ruth’s remarks come amid tensions over the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and latest remarks by Senator Edwin Sifuna during an Interview.
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Ruth Questions ODM Funding, Linda Ground
Ruth Odinga highlighted the lavish nature of ODM’s public campaigns, which feature helicopters, branded tents, t-shirts, and mobilized crowds, questioning why such large sums are being spent outside the party’s accounts.
“As a signatory to the ODM account, if he questions where all the money for choppers, big tents, and ODM-branded t-shirts and caps in the ‘Linda Ground’ conventions are coming from, why should anyone abuse him?” stated Odinga.
The lawmaker has questioned the sources of these funds, asking whether governors or MPs are using public money or if unknown philanthropists are footing the bill. Ruth emphasized that clarity on funding is crucial for party transparency and to prevent undue influence over ODM’s operations.
“We need clarity on who is funding these extravagant campaigns. Party members and supporters deserve to know how resources are being used,” she added.
Odinga Defends Senator Sifuna
On 3rd February 2025, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is also the ODM Secretary-General, clarified his position on his alleged exit from the party amid growing pressure from party rivals.
The party SG has faced criticism for publicly questioning the party’s campaign funding during an interview on Citizen TV.
“He questions the very things we have been questioning, despite the online attacks by hired bloggers. Silencing him would weaken the party from within,” said Ruth
Her remarks signal support for open debate within ODM, reinforcing that raising questions about funding is not an act of disloyalty. She stressed that Sifuna’s concerns reflect broader questions about party accountability and the influence of undisclosed sponsors on political messaging.
Also Read: Winnie Odinga, Raila Junior Disown Oketch Salah in Explosive Exchange
ODM’s Control, Accountability
Ruth Odinga also tied her concerns to the ongoing implementation of the March 2025 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.
She noted that withholding funds from the party allows external actors to dictate who can attend events, what can be discussed, and how campaigns are run.
Ruth has questioned the relevance of the MoU if its commitments are not honored.
“If the MoU has not been honored, with just less than 30 days to its expiry, what is so ‘treasonous’ in publicly declaring it ‘dead’? It is not really upon the committee implementing the 10-point agenda (COIN-10); the buck stops with the bearer of the signature in the MoU, who is none other than President William Ruto. We have up to March 7 to see how this goes,” added Odinga.
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