National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has responded to Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga after a public disagreement over remarks made during an ODM party retreat held in Mombasa.
Mbadi said the meeting, held on May 4, was intended to give party leaders a private platform for open discussions and reflection on internal and national matters.
“When we met in Mombasa for the ODM party retreat, the session provided a private moment for candid talk and introspection,” he said.
“I’m therefore surprised to see my sister Ruth Adhiambo Odinga distort my speech; something which could have entirely remained in-house since that’s what maturity demands.”
He added that, for clarity, he had been compelled to publicly restate what he described as his “raw and unfiltered” remarks made during the closed-door discussions.
The clarification comes after Ruth raised concerns over comments she said were made during the retreat, alleging that Mbadi questioned the relevance of former ODM leader Raila Odinga and dismissed any notion of political entitlement linked to the Odinga name.
Ruth also claimed she felt personally targeted during the meeting, noting she was the only member of the Odinga family present, while ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga was absent.
In her earlier remarks, Ruth defended the Odinga family’s political legacy, saying it was shaped by years of sacrifice, including political persecution, detention, and exile.
Mbadi’s latest statement appears aimed at clarifying the context of the discussion, while also expressing concern over what he views as the public airing of internal party conversations.
He said the retreat was meant to strengthen unity and coordination within ODM, especially among leaders serving in government, and not to fuel public disputes.
The exchange has highlighted growing tensions within ODM as senior leaders navigate their dual roles in government and party structures.
The Mombasa retreat brought together key party organs alongside Cabinet Secretaries affiliated with ODM, in what was described as a strategy meeting to align party priorities with government operations.
While the meeting was expected to reinforce cohesion, it has instead triggered a public back-and-forth between two senior figures, drawing attention to internal dynamics within the party.
Ruth had earlier accused some leaders of undermining the Odinga legacy and using state positions to advance internal political interests, remarks that have added to the controversy.
Mbadi, on his part, insists his comments have been taken out of context and should not have been turned into a public issue, maintaining that internal discussions require confidentiality and restraint.