Aden Duale joins ODM@20 celebrations with rare tribute to Raila Odinga
By Luke Oluoch, November 14, 2025Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has penned an emotional message to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its late party leader, Raila Odinga, as the orange outfit marks its 20th anniversary.
In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page on Friday, November 14, 2025, Duale acknowledged Raila’s long history in establishing democratic institutions in the country.
The CS also acknowledged the role played by his former party in shaping his political journey, describing himself as a grateful beneficiary of its history, courage, and vision.
Grateful beneficiary
“As ODM marks twenty years of shaping our political landscape, I join them in celebration, not as a mere member, but as a grateful beneficiary of its history, its courage, and its vision. The party gave me my first platform of service, and that is a debt I acknowledge with humility,” he observed.
Duale recounted the formation of ODM in the run-up to the 2007 election and how he earned his first presence in parliament through the party.
“When ODM opened its doors twenty years ago, we, including H.E. President William Ruto, were among the founders and ranking members who believed that Kenya deserved a wider democratic horizon and a louder, freer voice.
It is through that party that I first set foot in Parliament in 2007, to represent the people of Dujis Constituency,” he stated.
In his tribute to Raila, Duale stated that the veteran endured many hardships and sacrificed for the better of the nation.
Also watch: Senator Eddy Oketch pays emotional tribute to Raila at ODM @20 in Mombasa.
Raila’s undying legacy
“When we speak of democracy in this country, we speak the name of one man who lived for it, suffered for it, and insisted that no Kenyan should ever fear their own voice: The Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Baba.
His life was a long walk through sacrifice, bruising battles, and unending courage. There were moments he carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. Moments when he bled so that the rest of us could breathe freely. Even when we disagreed, even when the country wavered, he did not. He stood, sometimes alone, sometimes wounded, but always firm in the belief that Kenya must never shrink its freedoms. That is his enduring gift.
And now, even in death, we owe him the same thing he fought for all his life: the protection of our democratic space,” he added.