- Uhuru Kenyatta explained the reason for skipping the ODM founders dinner despite an early invitation by the late former prime minister Raila Odinga
- He sent a detailed message outlining the reasons behind the ODM party’s formation and its core principles
- Uhuru praised Raila’s resilience in the fight for democracy and appealed to party members to uphold the legacy of the departed leader
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Retired president Uhuru Kenyatta had skipped the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) 20th anniversary dinner held in Mombasa on Saturday, November 15, citing prior commitments.
Source: Facebook
However, he sent a heartfelt message praising the party and its late leader, former prime minister Raila Odinga.
Uhuru, who had been invited by Raila before his untimely death in India, disclosed that he had planned to join him in commemorating the milestone but was unable to do so.
His message was read out by ODM secretary general and Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna during the dinner attended by party founders.
What did Uhuru say about ODM’s 20th anniversary?
In his tribute, Uhuru recalled the formation of ODM in 2005, born out of conviction rather than political convenience, when a coalition of leaders rallied against the proposed constitution.
“A broad coalition of political leaders who rallied the No campaign against the 2005 Kenyan constitution. Tulikuwa tunaitwa Pentagon,” Uhuru explained.
He highlighted the role of Raila, alongside President William Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, former Tourism minister Najib Balala, and the late Joseph Nyagah, in shaping the movement’s ideals of democracy, justice, and equality.
Uhuru emphasised that ODM’s foundation was built on service, accountability, and inclusivity, noting that Raila had carved a niche for the party ahead of the 2007 elections by championing constitutional reform and good governance.
“It was built on the belief that leadership is not about power but about service, that progress is not about individuals but about people working together for the common good,” he added.
He further underscored ODM’s commitment to social justice, human rights, and economic fairness, stressing that growth must be inclusive and prosperity shared.
How did Uhuru praise Raila?
Reflecting on Raila’s legacy, the retired president described him as the embodiment of courage, resilience, and selflessness, whose vision continues to shape Kenya’s political evolution.
“Today as you celebrate this milestone, my heart is emotionally heavy as I remember my brother and friend and compatriot Raila. His absence today is deeply felt, but his presence is forever etched in our hearts and in the history of our beloved nation, Kenya.
Raila was not just the leader of ODM; he was the spirit of struggle, the embodiment of courage, endurance, and unwavering spirit in the Kenyan dream. His courage, resilience, and selflessness shape not just the movement but the very cost of Kenya’s political evolution,” he said.
Source: Facebook
He urged ODM members to keep alive Raila’s fight for democracy, accountability, and inclusion, and to work toward a Kenya where no child goes hungry and every citizen has equal opportunity.
He further wished ODM well, calling the anniversary a testament to renewal and growth for a party that embraces all Kenyans.
Sifuna revealed that Uhuru is currently in the United States.
More to follow…
Source: TUKO.co.ke
