Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga has opposed moves to stop the planned “Linda Mwananchi” rally in Kisumu, warning that such actions go against the Constitution and risk setting a troubling political precedent.
Her comments follow Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi’s remarks that the rally would not be allowed to take place in Kisumu, a statement that has sparked political debate within ODM and among other political players.
Ruth said it was wrong for an elected leader to declare that a political meeting cannot be held in any part of the country, noting that leaders are bound by the Constitution they swore to uphold.
“It is deeply regrettable that an elected Member of Parliament would publicly declare that a political rally will not be allowed to happen in Kisumu,” she said.
She pointed out that the Constitution guarantees freedoms of movement and association, adding that these rights are not subject to approval by individual leaders.
“These rights are enshrined in the Bill of Rights and are not negotiable. Every Kenyan has the right to associate and express themselves freely,” she said.
Ruth also said Kenya is bound by regional and international agreements that protect political and civil freedoms.
She cautioned against portraying Kisumu as a restricted political space, saying the city belongs to its residents and must remain open to lawful political activity.
“Kisumu is not a theatre for political chaos. This city belongs to its people, and anyone coming to speak with them must be allowed to do so without intimidation,” she said.
She added that leaders from different political formations, including ODM, UDA, DCP and the United Opposition, should be free to engage with citizens as long as they operate within the law.
Ruth, who also serves as ODM Deputy Organizing Secretary, referenced the party’s long-standing approach of inclusivity, saying it should guide current political engagements.
She noted the “gather all, scatter none” principle, saying ODM must remain open to internal dialogue and engagement.
The rally planned for Sunday, April 26, she said, involves members who identify with ODM and should therefore not be treated as outsiders.
At a time when the party is navigating internal differences, Ruth urged leaders to focus on unity rather than division.
She also cited a biblical reference, saying leaders should be open to cooperation even with those holding different views.
“We are reminded that whoever is not against us is for us. We must allow space for engagement and differing opinions,” she said.
Ruth warned against attempts to decide for residents which political meetings they can attend, saying such actions undermine democratic principles.
“We cannot decide for the people which rallies they should attend. That is not democracy,” she said.
She called for restraint among leaders and supporters, urging them to prioritize unity and respect for constitutional freedoms.
According to her, ODM’s strength lies in unity of purpose, not internal divisions.
“The success of ODM will not come from factions but from a shared commitment to serve the people,” she said.
The debate now shifts to whether the rally will proceed as planned and how ODM leadership will manage growing political differences ahead of the weekend gathering in Kisumu.