President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late ODM leader Raila Odinga while calling for the preservation and strengthening of the Orange Democratic Movement as the party marks two decades since its formation.
In a message after the celebrations held in Mombasa County, Ruto reflected on ODM’s influence on Kenya’s political evolution and urged that the party’s legacy be safeguarded.
“As we celebrate 20 years of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), we also honour the life and legacy of its leader, the late Honourable Raila Odinga,” he said.
Ruto described Odinga’s impact on national politics as ‘rich, solid and enduring’, adding that his contributions continue to shape Kenya’s democratic space.
He emphasised the need to protect ODM from internal fractures, saying “the powerful spirit of ODM must be given room to flourish, keeping the party united and strong, and protecting it from ever being fragmented.”
The President’s remarks come at a time when political realignments and succession debates have re-energised discussions about the future direction of ODM, one of Kenya’s largest political parties.
Ruto underscored the role of strong political institutions in stabilising democracy, noting that ODM’s evolution over two decades had contributed significantly to national political discourse.
“May ODM continue to inspire us to build — and stand behind — robust, progressive national political parties that serve as a bedrock of our democracy, driving politics of ideology rather than ethnicity or division,” he said.
The message coincided with a dinner event in Mombasa where Ruto joined several founding members of ODM to mark the party’s milestone anniversary.
The gathering brought together senior figures associated with ODM’s early years, highlighting a rare moment of bipartisan recognition in an otherwise polarised political climate.
Founded in 2005 during the campaign against the proposed constitution, ODM has since played a defining role in multiple election cycles and national debates.
The party’s symbolism, including the iconic orange used during the 2005 referendum, remains deeply associated with Raila Odinga’s political identity.
The anniversary marks a significant moment for the Orange party, both in remembering its founding leader and in assessing its path forward as it navigates Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
President Ruto was among high profile leaders from government and the opposition who attended the fete in Mombasa as founding members of the party.
