Tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have escalated after Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga accused Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of interfering in the party’s internal affairs despite relinquishing his leadership position upon joining government.

The dispute stems from recent remarks made by Mbadi during a public event in Mombasa, where he criticized Ruth Odinga and dismissed claims that her family ties to former ODM leader Raila Odinga give her special influence over the party’s direction.

Mbadi maintained that ODM is a national political party that should not be viewed as the property of any individual, family, or region.

He urged members to focus on the party’s future beyond the leadership of Raila Odinga. However, speaking during an interview with NTV on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Ruth Odinga questioned Mbadi’s continued involvement in ODM matters after accepting a Cabinet position in President William Ruto’s administration.

“The performance of the CS as we are speaking is an issue that I would say I would want to know more about at a later issue on his, but his performance on coming into the involvement of the party issues,” she said.

Ruth argued that ODM leaders who joined government did so as professionals and were expected to step away from active party leadership roles.

“We clearly did say that they left, and that is how the party leader went as experts to support the government as experts from the ODM party, and they relinquished their seats in the party,” she explained.

According to the Kisumu MP, the departure of some party officials to government created room for other members to take up leadership responsibilities within ODM.

“That’s how some of us, even myself, became a deputy organising secretary when we were now relieved of our roles,” she said.

She expressed concern over what she described as Mbadi’s attempts to influence internal party matters despite no longer holding a party office.

“Now, when he comes back and starts being part of the ODM party to the extent of castigating us and ordering us around in the party, I find that a bit difficult,” Ruth stated.

She further emphasized that ODM has established structures and disciplinary mechanisms capable of addressing disputes among members without outside interference.

“We have party organs and party disciplinary organs that could even castigate and say, Ruth, you’re disrespectful, and therefore for this you feel this is what should be done to you,” she said.

Ruth also rejected suggestions that her criticism was personal, insisting that her concerns were centered on preserving unity, accountability, and proper governance within the party.

“I’m very keen on that one, on the issue of whether you know you cannot also mix issues about what we directly ask him to do as his role,” she added, reiterating her call for a clear separation between government responsibilities and party politics.

The latest exchange highlights growing debate within ODM over the role of former party officials serving in government and their influence on the party’s internal direction as it navigates its future leadership and political strategy.