A fierce storm is brewing in the office of Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Adhiambo Odinga just days before Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visits the region.
The infighting, fueled by a scramble for lucrative tenders for the upcoming event in Muhoroni, threatens to derail the launch of a Sacco project spearheaded by Ruth herself. The timing couldn’t be worse.
As the sister to ODM party leader Raila Odinga—who portrays himself as an anti-corruption crusader—Ruth’s office now faces damning allegations of nepotism, greed, and tender manipulation.
Ruth Odinga’s Office Engulfed in Bitter Tender Wars
With Deputy President Kindiki expected in Muhoroni next Friday, the Kisumu County National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) offices have become a battlefield.
Staff members at Prosperity House and the Tom Mboya estate offices are caught in a bitter standoff over who should win the contracts for key services during the DP’s high-profile event.
The tenders up for grabs include supply of tents, chairs, banners, branding materials, communications equipment, and transport for Sacco members from Kisumu’s eight sub-counties.
At the heart of the conflict is Kisumu NGAAF Coordinator Rose Karimi, who insiders say is aggressively positioning herself to bag most—if not all—of the contracts through proxies.
Karimi’s actions have triggered serious friction, especially between her and two nominated female MCAs who also have eyes on the lucrative deals. Instead of fostering unity for the success of the Sacco launch, the wrangles have created confusion, resentment, and suspicion in the office.
Adding fuel to the fire is Maurice Onono, the only staff member openly siding with Karimi. Onono’s close association with Karimi is raising eyebrows, with allegations that the two are operating a tender cartel under the nose of Hon. Ruth Odinga.
Staff Turn on Each Other as Pressure Mounts
Rose Karimi, who previously served in Kisii County and replaced Timothy Nyandusi after he was removed over corruption, is once again under fire.
NGAAF employees accuse her of repeating the same corrupt practices that sank her predecessor. One of the biggest controversies revolves around Karimi’s decision to bring in a photographer from Mount Kenya to handle photography for Ruth Odinga’s events.
The move has left long-serving local bloggers—who helped campaign for Ruth—completely sidelined. Staffers now believe the office is being turned into a cash cow for Karimi and her allies.
“There is no fairness anymore. It’s all about who Karimi knows and who’s willing to play ball,” said a disgruntled employee who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals.
Sources say a formal complaint is being prepared for submission to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The complaint will highlight conflicts of interest and alleged corruption in the management of NGAAF funds and tenders.
The concern among staff is not just the blatant corruption but also the potential embarrassment that could unfold if Kindiki’s visit is marred by chaos, missing services, or logistical hiccups.
“Madam Ruth must now take charge. Everyone here just wants to make money. They don’t care about the Sacco or the people,” another insider lamented.
Karimi Claims She’s Acting for Ruth Odinga
When reached for comment, Rose Karimi did not deny involvement in the tenders. Instead, she claimed she was acting on behalf of the Woman Rep herself.
“Wacheni fitina. You’ll be shocked to learn I’m acting on behalf of Hon. Ruth Odinga,” Karimi said before hanging up.
The statement stunned observers and raised even deeper questions about how much Ruth Odinga knows about the infighting and alleged tender rigging. If Karimi’s claims are true, it suggests Ruth is either complicit or has turned a blind eye—despite projecting a public image of empowerment and integrity.
Ruth’s silence is deafening. With the clock ticking toward the DP’s arrival, pressure is building for her to act swiftly. Any further delay risks plunging the event into disarray and dragging her name into a full-blown corruption scandal.
Political analysts argue that Ruth’s position as Raila Odinga’s sister makes the matter even more delicate. Raila has repeatedly condemned graft and presented himself as a moral compass in Kenya’s political scene. But his allies and relatives continue to be linked to corruption, with little to no action taken.
This latest storm only reinforces perceptions that anti-corruption slogans are just that—slogans.
Unless Ruth Odinga steps in to clean up the mess in her office, the Muhoroni event could mark more than a Sacco launch—it could be a public relations disaster, not just for her but for the broader image of the Odinga political dynasty.
