Ruth Odinga under fire for claiming no one can fill Raila’s shoes in Nyanza
Kisumu MP Ruth Odinga’s comment that no one from the Lake Region can fill the shoes of ODM leader Raila Odinga has ruffled feathers among politicians in South Nyanza who have accused the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga family of trying to dominate politics in the Lake Region.
The politicians accused the lawmaker of being reckless in trying to create a campaign mood in the country just a year after the 2022 elections and using it to influence the outcome of the next polls, especially at the grassroots level.
Ms Odinga said she is not convinced yet that there is a politician who can succeed his brother as the Luo kingpin.
This follows calls by some politicians who have asked the opposition leader to retire from politics and let another person succeed him.
Among people being fronted to take over from the former prime minister include Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi.
But Ms Odinga argued that no one is ready yet to be a presidential candidate from Nyanza, except for his 78-year-old brother.
A group of Nyanza politicians allied to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) said the statement by the woman rep is an attempt by the Odinga family to continue deciding who should be leaders in the four Lake region counties (Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori) where the majority of leaders are from ODM.
According to South Nyanza UDA coordinator Kennedy Ondiek, it is wrong to say that no one from Nyanza can be president besides Mr Odinga.
“Her statement implied that people from Nyanza who are aspiring to be president in the next election should suspend their quest and let Raila take the lead. We are telling her that this region has people who are educated and are ready to lead the country as head of state,” he said.
Mr Odinga has vied for the presidency five times and lost to different candidates.
It is not clear if he will be on the ballot in the next election but the statement from his sister Ruth shows that he is likely to feature in the ballot box in 2027.
Mr. Ondiek argued that the Odinga family has been riding on the same concept to dominate politics in the region and decide the grassroots leaders since ODM allegedly fails to conduct credible nominations.
He argued that most people are tired of listening to the voices of the same family for many years.
“We have lifted the family to a level where multiple members are representatives at different Houses. It is now time that they let other people lead,” Mr Ondiek said.
Besides national politics, Mr Odinga has been using his influence to decide who should be elected.
He normally does this by calling on voters to cast ballots for candidates from his ODM party.
Mr Ondiek said this act blocks most people with good leadership skills from contesting and winning political seats.
“They have not provided opportunities for upcoming leaders to contest and win because they always decide who should lead,” he said.
UDA coordinator in Suba North constituency Bruce Ogweno said that the statement by Ms. Odinga is likely to have an impact in future campaigns when it is used by other politicians as a campaign tool against aspiring leaders from the lake region.
“During campaigns, an aspirant from the lake region may be told of how they should not lead because of statements made by the Odinga family who insist that the only presidential candidate should be Raila,” Mr Ogweno said.
He argued that there are many people who are rising to take over leadership and it is wrong for the legislator to say that no one can be president from Nyanza apart from Mr Odinga.
The two UDA officials used the opportunity to welcome more people to join their party saying it has opened doors and opportunities for all Kenyans.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.