As Kenya’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) celebrated two decades of political activism, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi delivered a poignant tribute to the late Raila Odinga, calling him a patriot who “steadily guided our nation through defining moments.” The event, held at a Mombasa hotel on Saturday night, brought together founding members, party leaders, governors, and senior Cabinet Secretaries.
Mudavadi spoke with a mix of solemnity and admiration, reflecting on the turbulence and triumphs of Kenya’s political landscape over the past 20 years. “His courage, his sacrifice, his unwavering patriotism steadied our nation,” he said, highlighting Raila’s selflessness during the constitutional reform process. Rather than pushing for a parliamentary system, Raila prioritized devolution, a move that, according to Mudavadi, “transformed our governance structure.”
The anniversary was not only a celebration of the party’s founding but also a commemoration of Raila’s enduring legacy. Mudavadi urged current ODM leaders to remain focused on “pro-people programmes,” advance progressive policies, and maintain unity through constant consultation. “The Orange spirit remains vibrant, and the journey ahead is filled with promise,” he said.
President William Ruto, also in attendance, echoed calls for political tolerance and institutional strength. He lauded ODM’s resilience, noting that the party has endured where many others have faltered, rising above ethnic politics and personality-driven agendas. “Raila Odinga was not a tribalist,” Ruto said. “He believed in Kenya. He always extended his wings to cover as many people as possible.” He added that party leaders must guard against fragmentation and ensure cohesion across the country.
The three-day anniversary, running from Nov. 14 to 16, included speeches, reflections, and discussions on the party’s history and future. ODM leaders framed the celebrations as a call to honor Raila’s legacy by strengthening branches nationwide and resisting internal divisions.
For many in the room, the evening was both a nostalgic look back and a forward-looking moment. Veteran party members recalled the early struggles to unite opposition voices and challenge entrenched political hierarchies, while younger attendees saw in the celebrations a blueprint for political resilience.
