KISUMU, County—Fresh cracks have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga declared she backs the “Linda Raila Odinga Legacy,” distancing herself from the rival “Linda Ground” and “Linda Mwananchi” factions.

Speaking during the burial of Mzee Eliud Nyikal Okaka in Kisumu, Ruth said she would not align with either camp, warning that the party’s current structure is unsustainable and risks weakening ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“I have consistently said this—I am not Linda Mwananchi or Linda Ground. I stand for the Raila Odinga legacy,” she said.

Her position introduces a new layer to ODM’s internal contest, where parallel centres of power have increasingly come into focus. She cautioned that the existence of competing factions could erode party unity if not urgently addressed.

“Having two parallel wings of ODM is unsustainable. We must work out a formula of bringing back the whole ODM. This present arrangement will not help anyone,” she added.

Ruth called on party founders, trustees and the church to step in and mediate, signalling the depth of the divisions and the urgency of reconciliation. Her remarks also mark a shift from her recent neutral stance, even as she continues to recognise Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General amid internal disagreements.

The developments played out alongside sharp criticism of President William Ruto’s administration by ACK Maseno South Bishop Charles Ong’injo, who faulted leaders over the rising cost of living and accused them of prioritising political rhetoric over the economic struggles facing Kenyans.

The convergence of clergy criticism and opposition infighting underscores growing pressure across the political landscape, raising fresh questions about both governance and ODM’s readiness to present a united front heading into 2027.