- Former MP Henry described the struggles they went through to form ODM-Kenya following the 2005 referendum
- Kosgey detailed how Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other Ukambani leaders ran with the ODM-Kenya certificate after its formation
- He explained how the late Raila Odinga managed to get back ODM when the reformists were thinking of registering another party
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Mombasa: The founding chairman of the ODM party, Henry Kosgey, offered a candid and detailed account of the party’s turbulent formation during its 20th anniversary.
Source: Facebook
His recollections painted a vivid picture of the struggles, betrayals, and resilience that shaped ODM into the political powerhouse it is today.
How was the ODM party formed?
The former Tinderet Constituency MP began by revisiting the aftermath of the 2005 constitutional referendum, which had united reformists under the ‘No’ campaign.
Following their victory, the team resolved to transform the Orange movement into a political party—Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Kosgey explained that the party’s leadership structure was carefully negotiated, with members agreeing on both individual and corporate memberships.
However, their plans were immediately complicated when they discovered that lawyer Gitobu Imanyara had already registered ODM behind their backs.
“We then returned to Nairobi to register the party and found out that a mischievous character, Imanyara, had already registered the party. We did not even know him so we decided to register ODM-Kenya and went ahead,” he recalled.
Faced with this setback, the reformists attempted to register ODM–Kenya (ODM–K), but the late former president Mwai Kibaki’s government blocked the process.
Despite the resistance, Janet Ong’era eventually managed to secure the ODM certificate. However, the milestone was also marred by violence.
“It was also not easy. The government refused but through connections, we managed to register the ODM-K party but we could not be officials because would lose our MP seats. They refused to give us the certificate of registration,” he added.
He recalled how, while carrying the ODM–K certificate to show supporters, young people in Kibera tried to grab it, breaking the glass frame and cutting his hand.
The team later proceeded to Uhuru Park, where they attempted to launch the movement publicly, but police lobbed tear gas at them.
Did Kalonzo run away with ODM-Kenya certificate?
The founding chairman also recounted tense encounters with political rivals. He claimed that retired president Uhuru Kenyatta tried to blackmail the group during the early stages of ODM’s formation.
The politician said he firmly told Uhuru to return to KANU and build his base instead of interfering with ODM’s efforts.
The challenges did not end there.
According to Kosgey, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the late Mutula Kilonzo, and Senator Dan Maanzo later ran away with the ODM–Kenya certificate and left the reformists partyless and uncertain about their future.
“Uhuru was pulling and I called and told him to go back to KANU and build his base there and stop harassing us. Kalonzo, Mutula senior, and Dan Maanzo also continued pulling. They ran away with the party. We remained partyless. We wondered what to do because ODM-K was gone,” he claimed.
Source: Facebook
How did Raila win back ODM party?
He recalled former opposition leader Raila Odinga’s strategic thinking that eventually salvaged the situation.
As per him, Raila traced Imanyara and negotiated to buy back the ODM party, securing the identity that the movement carries to this day.
“Raila was a good thinker, we went to a restaurant in Lenana Road. He had decided to approach Imanyara. Raila told us that we have the party and we continued towards the election of 2007.
It was a hot election, and we fought on principles and came with Chungwa Moja Maisha Bora,” Kosgey stated.
Reflecting on the party’s future, the now-UDA politician concluded that the broad-based arrangement remains ODM’s strongest and most effective platform for forming a government in 2027.
Will ODM exit government?
Speaking at the same event, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government arrangement, insisting it must serve the people of Kenya and be held accountable.
“It is not any insinuation that Baba left us in broad-based government and we will be there. We will make sure that the broad-based government works for the people of Kenya. We will hold it accountable in parliament and make sure it delivers to its people,” said Junet.
He further noted that governments are formed through coalitions, and ODM’s participation is anchored in its 10-point agenda.
The lawmaker stressed that ODM was never intended to operate as a non-governmental organisation but as a political force to seek power.
“ODM was not formed as an NGO, it was formed to gain political power and that can be through many ways. We want to be in power. We do not want to be in the streets anymore,” he added.
Why did Uhuru skip ODM founders’ dinner?
Meanwhile, Uhuru skipped ODM’s 20th anniversary celebrations despite an early invitation from Raila, citing prior commitments in the United States.
He revealed that he and Raila had intended to discuss his absence after returning from India, but the meeting did not materialise.
Uhuru instead sent a detailed message to Senator Edwin Sifuna, outlining the principles and ideals of ODM’s formation.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
