Orange Democratic Movement led by it’s party head Rt. Honorable Raila Amollo Odinga today February 28, 2025 marked it’s 20th anniversary since its inception in Busia County under Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma as the party came to reflect on two decades of resilience, progress and unwavering spirit of the movement.
While speaking in Busia Mr. Odinga reiterated that his next political move would be based on principles of the party and consultations would be done across the country to ensure all his supporters give their views on what he should do.
” We shall consult and I want to promise you that we shall take a decision that addresses the needs and rights of all Kenyans,” he stated.
Raila confirmed that he will not just follow anyone for the sake but will work with those with a clear agenda and plan for Kenyans since his party ODM has its principles and the main aim is to fight for Kenya.
This follows speculations of a likelihood of Odinga’s ODM joining forces with Ruto’s UDA, since President William Ruto showed support for his AUC bid, which he refuted.
Ahead of his political declaration and intentions ahead of the 2027 elections , after his African Union Commission Chairmanship position’s loss,Odinga has promised to push for increased funding for counties, increased health financing and efforts to curb corruption.
“We want to ensure that the money is brought from the National Government to the counties and the money needs to be used well,” he affirmed.
The Raila Odinga led movement came into existence during the 2005 ensuing constitutional referendum that had it’s YES team referred to as ‘Banana’ against the NO team dubbed ‘Orange’.
The proponents of the YES team were for the draft constitution which seemed to be negating the aspirations of the people of Kenya termed as anti-reform minded individuals.
The NO team which consisted of ODM wanted a constitution that stood for development that was equitable and that which is devolved as well as respecting the human rights and democratic in nature.
The NO (Orange) team that spearheaded the defeat of the retrogressive draft constitution in November 2005, evolved into a popular movement that engaged the new establishment with a view to restarting the constitution making process which later brought about the new constitution in 2010.
The NO’s victory at the referendum transformed the movement into a major political party, the Orange Domocratic Movement (ODM) which was led by Raila Odinga and Mudavadi, Ruto, Balala, Joe Nyagah and Ngilu which formed the PENTAGON which later came to a drift leaving Raila as the sole party owner.
Leave a comment