A fresh political dispute has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga accused Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of meddling in the party’s internal affairs despite relinquishing his leadership position when he joined the government.
The disagreement follows remarks made by Mbadi during a recent public event in Mombasa, where he criticized Ruth Odinga and dismissed suggestions that her relationship with former ODM leader Raila Odinga gives her special influence over the party’s future direction.
Mbadi argued that ODM is a national political movement that belongs to its members and should not be perceived as the property of an individual, family, or specific region. He further urged party members to begin focusing on ODM’s future beyond the leadership of Raila Odinga.
However, speaking during an interview with NTV on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Ruth Odinga questioned Mbadi’s continued involvement in ODM matters after accepting a Cabinet position in President William Ruto’s administration.
She maintained that ODM leaders who joined the government did so in their professional capacities and were expected to step away from active participation in party leadership and internal affairs.
“We clearly did say that they left, and that is how the party leader went as experts to support the government as experts from the ODM party, and they relinquished their seats in the party,” Ruth said.
According to the Kisumu Woman Representative, the departure of several senior party officials to government positions created opportunities for other members to assume leadership responsibilities within ODM.
“That’s how some of us, even myself, became a deputy organising secretary when we were now relieved of our roles,” she explained.
Ruth expressed concern over what she described as Mbadi’s attempts to influence party decisions and criticize current officials despite no longer holding any formal leadership position within the party.
“Now, when he comes back and starts being part of the ODM party to the extent of castigating us and ordering us around in the party, I find that a bit difficult,” she stated.
She emphasized that ODM has established structures and disciplinary organs capable of resolving internal disputes and handling cases involving party members without external interference.
“We have party organs and party disciplinary organs that could even castigate and say, Ruth, you’re disrespectful, and therefore for this you feel this is what should be done to you,” she said.
Ruth further rejected claims that her criticism of Mbadi was motivated by personal differences, insisting that her concerns were rooted in the need to protect party unity, accountability, and proper governance.
“I’m very keen on that one, on the issue of whether you know you cannot also mix issues about what we directly ask him to do as his role,” she added.
The exchange highlights growing debate within ODM regarding the role of former party officials who currently serve in government and the extent to which they should influence the party’s internal affairs.
The disagreement also comes at a time when ODM is facing increasing discussions about its future leadership, succession planning, and political strategy following Raila Odinga’s long-standing dominance within the party.
Political observers say the latest public disagreement reflects broader tensions within ODM as the party seeks to redefine its direction while balancing relations between members serving in government and those actively managing party affairs.
Whether the dispute will deepen existing divisions or prompt internal dialogue remains to be seen, but it has once again brought into focus the delicate relationship between government service and party politics within ODM.
