ODM appeals to Ruto govt to release billions owed in political party funds
By Steve Ireri, October 27, 2025The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has appealed to President William Ruto’s government to release billions owed to the party through the Political Parties Fund.
The appeal was made following a meeting of the ODM Central Committee on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the party headquarters, the first such gathering since the passing of the late party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga.
In a statement signed by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the party stated that the delayed disbursement has strained its ability to finance grassroots activities and support its branches, particularly in the wake of its renewed effort to strengthen its county networks following the death of Raila Odinga.
“Finally, I wish to appeal to the national government that the constitutional provision for the funding of political parties is a yawning gap that has seen ODM owed billions in political party remittance,” the statement read in part.
The party maintained that releasing the funds would be a fitting honour to Raila’s long-standing fight for transparency and equity in the management of political parties.
It said that Raila had consistently championed fair allocation of public resources and insisted that political parties must be funded to promote democracy, civic education, and national unity.
“We believe that the best way for the National Government to honor the late Rt Hon Raila Odinga is to release the money owed to the party, so that our programs can run and the legacy of our leader can remain secure.”
“Indeed, as the foremost democrat in this country, Raila had fought tirelessly for political party funding as a safeguard against state interference, and it is only fair that his memory be sanctified by the expediting of pending issues for which he sought solutions,” it added.
Memorial services
ODM further confirmed that the party’s upcoming activities, including a series of national memorial services for Raila Odinga and the ODM@20 celebrations scheduled for mid-November, will proceed as planned, with full details already communicated to branch officials.
The party disclosed that the memorial services will be held in various regions to allow supporters across the country to celebrate and reflect on Raila’s remarkable legacy as a liberation hero, statesman, and unifying figure.
“That in line with the wishes and demands of millions of Kenyans whose lives he touched, the party will hold memorial services in many different parts of the country to enable these many admirers interact with and his sudden departure,” the statement read in part.
According to the communiqué, the first memorial will take place in Magarini, Kilifi County, on November 2 and 3, followed by events in Homa Bay and Migori counties on November 5 and 6.
“Memorial venues are as follows: Magarini in Kilifi County on 2nd and 3rd, , Homabay and Migori on 5th and 6th,” the presser added.
In addition to the memorial activities, the party confirmed that preparations for the ODM@20 celebrations, scheduled for November 14 to 16, are ongoing.
“That as part of the strengthening and spreading the reach of the party, the ODM@20 celebrations will proceed on the 14th 15th and 16th accompanied by activities aimed at cementing the unity and solidarity within the party. All committees tasked with preparations for the events are asked to continue with preparations. Once again, ODM extends its condolences to the family of Raila Odinga, his friends in Kenya and around the world, and to the people of Kenya,” the statement read.