Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has called on members of the Orange Democratic Movement to be more cautious with their words when discussing political matters involving President William Ruto.
Her concern stems from the growing use of the word “tutam,” a popular slogan that loosely translates to mean that President Ruto will serve two full terms in office.
According to her, the use of this phrase sends the wrong signal to the public and to ODM supporters, suggesting that the party has already accepted and agreed to support Ruto for a second term, which she insists is not true.
Ruth Odinga emphasized that ODM has not entered into any political deal or understanding with President Ruto or his administration concerning the 2027 elections.
She said such assumptions could mislead the public into believing that ODM has abandoned its principles or its independence. Her message was clear that the party should not appear to have surrendered its political space or made early commitments before serious discussions are held within the party structures.
Her statement comes at a time when ODM is facing a sensitive transition following the burial of its long-serving leader, Raila Odinga. The party is in the process of reorganizing itself and determining how it will position itself in the country’s political landscape.
Ruth Odinga’s remarks serve as a reminder that during such a phase, words and actions from party members carry significant weight. She cautioned that casual remarks and political slogans could easily be interpreted as official party positions, leading to confusion among supporters and partners.
She also warned that embracing the “tutam” slogan could weaken ODM’s ability to negotiate and make independent decisions in the future. By appearing to support the current administration too early, she said, the party could lose the power to bargain for its interests and the needs of its supporters ahead of the next general election.
Ruth Odinga urged members to maintain focus on strengthening the party, engaging with citizens, and preparing for 2027 without being swayed by political excitement.
