President William Ruto has called on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to safeguard its unity and avoid internal fragmentation as a tribute to the party’s late founding leader, Raila Odinga.
In a message shared on his official Facebook page after attending the three-day ODM@20 celebration in Mombasa, the Head of State praised Raila’s lifelong commitment to democracy and urged party members to uphold the values he championed.
Honouring Raila Odinga’s Legacy
President Ruto noted that Raila’s “rich, solid and enduring legacy” continues to shape Kenya’s political landscape.
“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 stated.
The President emphasized that Raila’s political contribution remains foundational not only to ODM but also to Kenya’s democratic evolution, where debates on ideology and governance have increasingly taken centre stage.
Call for Unity and Strength Within ODM
Ruto urged ODM leaders and supporters to ensure that the party remains cohesive and forward-looking.
“It is important that the powerful spirit of ODM is given room to flourish, keeping the party united and strong, and protecting it from ever being fragmented,” he said.
The sentiment comes at a time when ODM is facing a turbulent period internally as the party navigates how to go about implementing Raila’s vision of the broad-based coalition with the Ruto-led government.
Ruto, a founding member of the party joined the delegations of ODM for a celebratory dinner in Mombasa County, marking the end of the three-day commemoration on Sunday.
The event brought together party loyalists, leaders, and political veterans who reflected on ODM’s journey since its inception during Kenya’s 2005 constitutional referendum.
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