How Winnie Odinga & Ruth Odinga Are Likely To Support Sifuna After Missing Jacaranda Rally Yesterday

The absence of Winnie Odinga and Ruth Odinga from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, has drawn attention to the growing differences within the party and the political direction the two members of the Odinga family could take ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The gathering, which brought together several ODM leaders and supporters, marked the conclusion of the Mwezi wa Baba commemorations held in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

However, Winnie, who represents Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and her aunt Ruth, the Kisumu Woman Representative, were missing from the event.

Their absence came against the backdrop of their increasingly critical remarks about ODM’s current leadership and its cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.

The two have previously questioned whether the party is maintaining the political principles and identity associated with Raila’s leadership. They have also suggested that alternative political arrangements could be considered if ODM fails to return to what they regard as its original ideals.

Winnie’s political ambitions have added another dimension to the situation. During the first anniversary memorial of her father on October 15, 2026, she announced plans to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 elections.

The declaration placed her among the emerging political figures expected to shape the battle for Nairobi’s elective positions.

Her potential political alignment has also attracted interest, particularly as the Linda Mwananchi movement continues to position itself around calls for ODM to maintain its traditional opposition identity.

Jacaranda Grounds holds historical significance in Raila’s political journey, having hosted numerous rallies and public engagements during his political career.

The absence of his daughter and sister from an event organised in his honour therefore attracted attention among party supporters.

Saturday’s gathering also ended in confusion after disagreements and disruptions were reported at the venue.

Although neither Winnie nor Ruth has publicly explained their absence from the rally, their recent criticism of the party has intensified questions about their relationship with its current leadership.

Their next public engagements and political declarations could offer further indications of how they intend to approach the increasingly competitive 2027 election season.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/why-ruth-and-winnie-odingas-absence-from-jacaranda-rally-leaves-little-to-guess-about-their-next-political-move

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