Speaking amid growing political debate within ODM, Ruth said she finds it surprising that some people are trying to create the impression that she and Orengo are at odds.
She noted that their relationship dates back many years, long before their current political roles.
According to Ruth, their bond was strengthened during a difficult period in Kenya's political history when both found themselves in exile in Zimbabwe.
She revealed that Orengo spent time in the southern African country while she was living there and that the two even shared the same residence at one point.
“I find it strange when people try to create conflict between me and Orengo. We have known each other for many years.
When I was living in exile in Zimbabwe, Orengo also spent time there, and we even stayed in the same house at one point,” Ruth said.
Her remarks come at a time when divisions within ODM have sparked speculation over the relationships among some of the party's senior leaders.
However, Ruth insisted that her long association with Orengo remains intact despite differing political opinions and the ongoing debates within the party.
Orengo, a veteran lawyer and democracy activist, spent periods in exile in several African countries during the struggle against the one-party regime in the 1980s.
Zimbabwe was among the countries where he sought refuge while fleeing political persecution.
Ruth's comments are likely to ease speculation about tensions between the two leaders, reinforcing the message that their decades-long friendship transcends the current political realignments within ODM.
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