Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has revisited the formative years of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), recounting the coalition of political leaders and shared ideals that fueled its rise nearly two decades ago.
Uhuru, in a speech read on his behalf by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the movement was born not out of convenience but deep conviction about Kenya’s future.
He recalled the numerous meetings and engagements that shaped the party’s foundation, tracing its origin to the 2005 referendum campaign, where leaders rallied Kenyans to reject the proposed constitution.
“It was a movement born not out of political convenience, but out of conviction,” he said, noting that ODM’s early coalition—popularly known as the Pentagon—brought together leaders united by a desire for reform.
Uhuru recounted working with the late Raila Odinga, then leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, alongside William Ruto, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi, Najib Balala and the late Joseph Nyagah.
At the time, Uhuru served as leader of the opposition in Kanu. He said their unity was driven by a belief that Kenya deserved better leadership, justice, dignity and equal opportunity for all.
“As we moved to the 2007 election under the leadership of Baba Raila Amolo, the ODM was founded,” he said.
“It was founded as a voice of the voiceless, a rallying point for all who desire true democracy, constitutional reform, justice and good governance.”
Uhuru said the movement was built on the principle that leadership is service and progress must be collective.
ODM, he added, embraced the belief that Kenya’s strength lies in its diversity and that no citizen should feel excluded based on ethnicity, religion or beliefs.
He outlined the core principles that guided ODM’s formation, beginning with democracy and good governance.
According to him, the founders believed sovereignty belongs to the people, and leadership must remain accountable.
“We envisioned a Kenya where power is not imposed but entrusted, and where government exists to serve and not to rule,” he said.
He emphasised that the fight for free and fair elections and transparent institutions was central to ODM’s mission.
The second principle, Uhuru noted, was social justice and equity. ODM sought a country where every person, regardless of background, had a fair chance at success.
“Political freedom without social justice was incomplete,” he said.
Human rights formed the third pillar. Uhuru recalled that amid persecution, intimidation and imprisonment, ODM leaders—under Raila—stood firm in defending freedoms and dignity.
The struggle, he said, was not only for political space but also for the right to speak, worship, assemble and live without fear.
The fourth principle was economic justice, anchored in the idea that national prosperity must be inclusive and shared.
Uhuru said these values continue to define ODM today, underpinning its role in Kenya’s democratic journey.
