- Former prime minister Raila Odinga’s sister and Kisumu woman representative Ruth Odinga called out ODM politicians chanting the ‘Tutam’ slogan
- Ruth highlighted why the slogan is bad for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is currently under the leadership of Siaya senator Oburu Oginga
- The vocal politician argued that party members should focus on promoting leaders who are popular at the grassroots level
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya
Kisumu county woman representative Ruth Odinga has cautioned members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party against joining in the popular political chant “Tutam”.
Source: Facebook
This is 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, Ruth 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.
Will ‘Tutam’ chants affect ODM party?
Ruth, who was the sister of the late former prime minister Raila Amolo Odinga, emphasised that ODM’s participation in the current political arrangement was meant to stabilise 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.
In addition, Ruth argued that they must use the period of transition to rebuild, reorganise and restore the confidence that its grassroots supporters once had in them.
She added that the party should focus on promoting leaders who are popular among their supporters rather than those imposed through connections or their financial influence.
Ruth praises Oburu’s leadership traits
Ruth further stated that she was optimistic about the ODM party’s new leadership under Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
Read also
Oburu Oginga gives mixed signals, says ODM might have presidential candidate: “We’ll agree”
She stated that she was confident that Oburu would inject firmness and discipline into the party’s internal processes.
The vocal politician stated that people had taken advantage of Raila’s compassionate leadership style to pass their personal agendas.
“We must have strong candidates who are popular on the ground. As a politician, I can always tell who is popular,” she said.
Ruth reiterated her independence of thought, saying she would continue supporting the government when it delivers for the people and criticising it when it fails to do so.
“I can’t be a member of the praise and worship team even when it’s clear that the government is on the wrong trajectory,” she stated.
ODM management agrees to support Ruto
Her remarks came after a section of ODM members had publicly declared that they would be backing Ruto for a second term in office.
This move sparked debate within the party as other members held contrary opinions.
However, on October 27, the ODM party fully endorsed Ruto’s broad-based government until the next general elections.
Source: Facebook
The decision was arrived at during the Central Management Committee (CMC), which was held at the Nairobi hotel and chaired by Oburu.
Those in attendance at the meeting included ODM officials such as governors Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir of Mombasa, among others.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
