Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has refuted recent claims by Oketch Salah, an adopted son of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who alleged that the late leader had privately branded Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and ODM official Godfrey Osotsi as betrayers working to undermine the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking on Monday, Ruth dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. “Anyone claiming to have had private conversations with the late Raila Odinga on various matters is lying and should be called out,” she said, stressing that her brother was always open about his views. “He expressed his opinions publicly and consistently made his stance on national issues clear for all to see,” she added.
Ruth’s statement comes amid growing speculation and media attention following Salah’s controversial assertions, which suggested that Raila Odinga had personally singled out certain political figures within ODM for allegedly working against the party’s interests. According to Salah, these conversations had taken place behind closed doors, implying insider knowledge of Raila’s political assessments.
Political analysts, however, have cautioned the public against taking such claims at face value, noting the late leader’s reputation for transparency and public engagement. “Raila Odinga was known for speaking openly on national issues. Any claim of secret instructions or private warnings should be scrutinized carefully,” said one political commentator.
The woman rep’s remarks are likely to reignite discussions within ODM circles about loyalty, internal party dynamics, and the challenges of political succession.
Ruth urged the public and party members to focus on the late leader’s documented contributions and public pronouncements rather than unverified claims.
As the debate unfolds, ODM supporters and political observers are watching closely to see whether the party will respond formally to the allegations or continue to uphold Ruth Odinga’s insistence on transparency and accountability within the party.