Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has officially announced her intention to run for the Kisumu governorship in the 2027 general election. She emphasized that she will participate in the ODM party primaries and will not accept a direct party nomination.
Standing by Democratic Principles
Odinga has consistently opposed the practice of politicians being handed party tickets without contesting primaries, a process she described as "kubebwa mkono juu" — being elevated without earning the position through competition.
Political Journey Rooted in Contested Elections
- In 2013, Odinga entered elective politics during the onset of devolution, initially contesting the Kisumu governorship nominations where she defeated Jack Ranguma but stepped aside due to internal party pressures related to her family name.
- She served as deputy governor under Ranguma for five years and later as Special Adviser in disaster management during Senator Anyang' Nyong'o's administration.
- In 2022, despite being offered a direct ODM ticket for the Woman Representative seat, she chose to compete in the party primaries, winning decisively with 304,419 votes against her closest rival's 80,117.
2027 Governorship Ambitions
With Nyong'o completing his second term, Odinga is positioning herself as a candidate to succeed him. She openly acknowledges the political assumptions linked to her family name but insists on a fair contest where merit prevails.
"All I ask for is a level playing field so that the best carries the day," Odinga said, reaffirming her commitment to democratic processes and rejecting any notion of seeking direct nomination as was speculated.
