'No one from Nyanza can be president apart from Raila,’ says Ruth Odinga

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga now claims that her elder brother, Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga, is politically indispensable in Nyanza.

Speaking on Thursday at Mirogi Boys High School in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County, Ruth cited the political journey of the former premier, alleging that currently, no other politician from the region can fit in his shoes and rise to the helm of being President of Kenya.

"No one can be president from this region apart from Raila. I have looked around to check whether anyone meets his qualities but I have found none," she said, according to the Nation.

“No one from the lake region can take over from him and vie for president and win.”

She went ahead to cite the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit (ACS) 2023 where Odinga was received by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and allowed to sit alongside Heads of State, noting that only a leader of his cadre can be accorded such respect.

“Raila is the only person who, despite not being president, was given an opportunity to use a door used by high-profile dignitaries and sit next to Heads of State. It means that he is still powerful," she stated.

The Woman Representative therefore appealed to the region’s upcoming leaders to emulate Odinga and walk in his footsteps, adding that only he has the power to liberate the people from the lake region and across the country.

“Raila should be the person to look up to and leaders supporting him should continue doing so," Ruth added.

The remarks follow continued calls by a section of politicians for the ODM leader to hang his boots and pave the way for other leaders to take over the political arena.

Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, who had seemingly annointed National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi as Odinga’s probable successor, recently retracted his sentiments saying he had no authority to do that since the opposition chief – who is his younger brother – is still politically active.

“I only encouraged Wandayi to work hard and did not anoint him in any way. All I said is that he is doing well and he is among those in Raila’s line to watch in future. Odinga is still firmly on the steering wheel and is doing good," he stated.