Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is not satisfied with its current position in government and wants a bigger role going forward.
In a statement on Friday, December 19, 2025, Odinga addressed recent remarks by President William Ruto on the future of ODM, making it clear that the party expects more than symbolic inclusion.
“We are not content with just two cabinet slots. We demand a greater stake in the next government,” the statement reads.
Her remarks come weeks after President Ruto urged ODM to strengthen its party structures. This statement was widely interpreted as a signal of possible future cooperation between the ruling side and the veteran opposition party.
The party has historically played a central role in opposition politics, and discussions about cooperation have brought debate among supporters on what meaningful participation should look like.
Ruth Odinga’s statement suggests that anything less than a significant presence would fall short of expectations held by party members and supporters.
Her statement positions the party as ready for engagement, but firm on the need for a meaningful role that reflects its standing in Kenya’s political landscape.
President William Ruto, while speaking at the Piny Luo Festival in Migori County, appealed to ODM supporters to ensure the party remains strong heading into the 2027 elections.
President Ruto, while signalling a further collaboration beyond their current deal under the broad-based arrangement signed between him and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in March 2025, underscored that approaching the next frontier of the new partnership is on a solid base.
“I have stated that we will continue with our plans for this country. I know you people are ODM supporters. You have to make plans yourself and strengthen your ODM party. We want a strong ODM so that we can plan together the leadership of this country. If you make your party strong, I will also make the UDA party strong, and we can then proceed to agree on how we will form the government,” he stated.
