Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has warned members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party against joining in the popular political chant “Tutam” – a slogan used by allies of President William Ruto to promote his bid for a second term.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station, the MP said that while ODM remains part of the broad-based government until the 2027 elections, members must not lose sight of the party’s long-term interests and identity.
“You cannot, as a member of the ODM Party in the broad-based government, start shouting ‘Tutam’ (to mean two terms for President Ruto). What would be your negotiating edge post-2027 polls?” she posed.
Ruth Odinga Says Tutam Won’t Add Value to Party
The lawmaker, who is the sister of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, emphasized that ODM’s participation in the current political arrangement was meant to stabilize the country, not to compromise its independence or diminish its role as a major opposition force.
“Our focus right now should be on strengthening the party and getting the right candidates who will deliver victory. Shouting ‘Tutam’ right now will not add any value to the party,” she said.
Also Read: Ruth Odinga Slams Intervention by Raila and Ruto in Sakaja’s Botched Impeachment
She added that ODM must use this transition period to rebuild, reorganize, and restore confidence among its grassroots supporters by promoting leaders who are genuinely popular on the ground rather than those imposed through connections or financial influence.
Members Pushing Personal Agenda
Odinga also expressed optimism that the new ODM leadership under Dr. Oburu Oginga will inject firmness and discipline into the party’s internal processes.
She noted that, in the past, individuals had taken advantage of Raila Odinga’s compassionate leadership to push personal agendas.
“This is the time to strengthen ODM. We must have strong candidates who are popular on the ground. As a politician, I can always tell who is popular,” she said.
Also Read: Ruth Odinga: Why We Cannot Join Ruto’s Two-Term Chorus
Odinga added that she would continue supporting the government when it delivers for the people and would criticize it when it fails to do so.
“I can’t be a certified member of the praise and worship team even when it’s clear that the government is on the wrong trajectory,” she stated.
Her remarks come at a time when some ODM politicians working with the government have publicly endorsed President Ruto for a second term, a move that has sparked debate within party ranks.
Odinga’s comments underline a growing call within ODM to maintain strategic neutrality within the broad-based arrangement — keeping doors open for meaningful negotiations and positioning the party strongly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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