ODM party National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has a word with Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Sharif Nasir.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir.
ODM leaders and Wajir residents during the celebrations at
Wajir stadium.Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders have reaffirmed that the party remains strong, rooted in its founding values, and committed to defending democracy and devolution.
The leaders spoke on Saturday at Wajir Stadium during a build-up rally marking the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Among those present were ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi and other senior officials.
Governor Wanga said ODM would continue to deepen its commitment to transparency and accountability. She noted that inclusivity remained central to the party’s vision, pointing to the appointment of Ahmed Abdisalan, a former Wajir North MP elected on an ODM ticket, as Principal Secretary for National Government Coordination.
Governor Nassir praised Raila Odinga’s leadership, crediting him with shaping Kenya’s political landscape and guiding the party through two decades of challenges and growth.
“As we stand here to celebrate 20 years of our party, we want to sincerely thank the Right Honourable Prime Minister because he has led ODM and ensured it continues to be a beacon of hope to all Kenyans,” Nassir said.
Wajir Governor Abdullahi said ODM had consistently demonstrated electoral strength since 2007, adding that Odinga’s role remained critical in stabilising governments that followed disputed elections.
“Every government that comes to power has to call on Baba to steady things. Even in 2027, no government can run without Raila,” Abdullahi told the gathering, adding that Wajir remains an ODM stronghold, with four seats won in the last general election.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed described ODM as Kenya’s only truly national party, noting its wide representation across counties.
“Truth be told, most parties are tribal and regional. It is only ODM that has governors and MPs elected across the country. That is a clear sign of a national party,” he said.
The anniversary celebrations will continue in Kisii on 26 September and will culminate in Mombasa between 10 and 12 October.
