Raila leads ODM in celebrating 20 years
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday, February 28, 2025, led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) members and delegates in marking their 20th anniversary.
Raila, who unsuccessfully contested for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, was joined by other top party officials, including Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o (Interim Party leader), Gladys Wanga (ODM Chairperson), Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna (ODM Secretary General), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (Deputy Party Leader), Kisii Governor Simba Arati (Deputy Party Leader), and Godfrey Osotsi (Deputy Leader).
Members of Parliament and senators elected on ODM tickets also attended the event in Busia County, themed ‘Celebrating our Unity and Diversity’.
Roots Party Party Leader George Luchiri Wajackoyah was also present during the anniversary celebrations.
Before speeches and other declarations, the attendees were treated to great entertainment from various artists, choir and stage performances from local comedians.
Direction
The latest meeting comes at a time when a section of ODM leaders are reading from different scripts regarding the party’s future. Some ODM members are pushing for a working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while others oppose the arrangement.
After landing in the country following the AUC defeat, Raila hinted at the possibility of working with President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 polls.
He, however, announced a series of nationwide consultations before giving the way forward. So far, Raila has held a series of engagements, with his latest one being on Thursday, February 27, 2025, where he made it clear that he would not betray the people.
The Busia delegates conference, which coincides with ODM’s anniversary, is expected to give direction and clear the air.
The declaration from the anniversary celebrations is also expected to end the infighting from ODM, with Sifuna being among those mainly targeted by pro-Ruto supporters within the opposition party.
ODM’s origin
The ODM’s origins are rooted in the 2005 Kenyan constitutional referendum campaign. The ensuing constitutional referendum pitted the YES team, christened ‘Banana’, against the NO team, dubbed ‘Orange’.
The NO (Orange) team that spearheaded the defeat of the draft constitution in November 2005 evolved into a popular movement that engaged the new establishment, intending to restart the constitution-making process.
The Orange victory at the referendum transformed the movement into a major political party, ODM, which was captained by Raila Odinga and Mudavadi, Ruto, Balala, Joe Nyagah, and Charity Ngilu.
